Ag–Pt bimetallic composite supported on defective C3Nx nanosheets for plasmon hot electron-mediated photocatalytic H2 evolution.

Combining the strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of metallic Ag and the chemically reactive Pt co-catalyst, the Ag–Pt bimetallic composite was prepared and then coated on the surface of the exfoliated defective graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (C 3 N x NS) for plasmon hot electron-mediated photocatalytic H 2 evolution. Under the visible light irradiation, the sample of (1:2) Ag–Pt/C 3 N x NS exhibits the highest activity (1.25 mmol g−1 h−1), which is 35.7 and 1.7 times higher than that of Ag/C 3 N x NS and Pt/C 3 N x NS, respectively. Moreover, the apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of (1:2) Ag–Pt/C 3 N x NS reaches 3.3% at 420 nm. The boosted photocatalytic capacity may be ascribed to the utilization of the advantages of the LSPR effect of Ag particles and the Schottky barrier between Pt and C 3 N x NS, resulting in more electrons participate in the reduction reaction to boost the photocatalytic H 2 evolution performance. [Display omitted] • Ag–Pt core-shell structure was deposited on the exfoliated defective C 3 N x nanosheets. • The Core Ag shows LSPR effect and the shell Pt acts chemically reactive co-catalyst. • The (1:2) Ag–Pt/C 3 N x NS exhibits the highest H 2 evolution rate (1.25 mmol g−1 h−1). • The AQE of the sample of (1:2) Ag–Pt/C 3 N x NS reaches 3.3% at 420 nm. • The boosted activity was attributed to the LSPR effect and the Schottky barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]