Band alignment modulations of metal-semiconductor system for enhanced charge separation directly related to a photocatalytic performance

Abstract This work focuses on the charge state modulation from a controllable metal-semiconductor energetic alignment. Pt nanoparticles on rutile TiO2 are positively charged under visible light condition by synergetic charge separation. The extent and rate of charge separation are further enhanced via increased band bending at the TiO2 interface, which was induced by modulating the fermi level of Pt nanoparticles. Performance of photocatalytic oxidation was deeply related to the charge separation rate.