Visible Light-Induced Reactivity of Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles Incorporated into TiO2 Matrix towards 2-Chloroethyl Ethyl Sulfide

Inexpensive strategies for efficient decontamination of hazardous chemicals are required. In this study, the effect visible light (λ > 400 nm) on decomposition 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES, a sulfur mustard (HD) simulant) Au/TiO2 photocatalyst under anaerobic and aerobic conditions has been investigated in situ by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier –transformed spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Under conditions, 2-CEES partially desorbs from surface likely due to photothermal effect, induced photo-excited plasmonic Au nanoparticles. experiment, no is observed. We attribute behavior consumption hydrolysis 2-ethylthio ethanol dark, prior excitation. Oxygen activates water molecules resulting accelerated hydrolysis.