The effect of Au on TiO2 catalyzed selective photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexane

Visible light excitation of Au promoted TiO2 induces phase changes in the Au nanoparticles, due to a localized high temperature rise, rather than electronic effects. The lifetime of the plasmon photon excited state is likely too short to initiate photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexane. These thermal effects are also visible in an ATR-FTIR system where displacement of water from the Au titania surface is visible.