Visible light photoelectrochemical activity of K4Nb6O17 intercalated with photoactive complexes by electrostatic self-assembly deposition

Electrostatic self-assembly deposition (ESD) results in the intercalation of Ru(bpy)32+ or methylene blue (MB) into the niobate layered oxide right after the cations come into contact with [Nb6O17]4− nanosheets. Monolayers can be obtained by the exfoliation of proton exchanged K4Nb6O17 (KNbO) in an aqueous tetrabutylammonium (TBA) solution as revealed by the atomic force microscopy micrographs. UV-vis spectra show that intercalated films are able to absorb in the visible light range. Heat-treatment of Ru(bpy)32+ resulted in the red-shift in the absorption spectra, which was assigned to the enhancement in the interaction between the complex molecules and [Nb6O17]4− host layer. Intercalated niobate layered oxides are able to produce photocurrent as a result of the electron transfer from the excited guest molecule to the host layer under visible light illumination. Ru(bpy)32+ intercalated niobate layered oxide shows photocatalytic activity under visible light illumination to produce H2 from water–methanol solution.

Charge transfer mechanism in the interlayer of the layered oxide.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide