Controlled synthesis of nanoplate, nanoprism and nanopyramid-shaped CdSe decorated on porous TiO₂ photocatalysts for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution

Herein, we report a successful synthesis of porous TiO₂ monoliths decorated with unique nanoplate, nanoprism, and nanopyramid-shaped CdSe particles through a mild selenylation of CdO embedded inside porous TiO₂ monoliths via a hydrothermal method in a very controlled manner. Compared with pure TiO₂, as-synthesized CdSe/TiO₂ photocatalyst not only enhances light absorption but also leads to a highly efficient charge-carrier separation. Particularly, the nanoplate-shaped 7% CdSe/TiO₂ photocatalyst (molar percentages of CdSe to TiO₂ is 7:100) exhibits an exceptional hydrogen evolution rate up to 3650 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ without resorting to any noble-metal co-catalysts under visible-light irradiation owing to synergistic effects envisaged by a rational material design. Our results may provide a useful strategy to develop a highly-efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen production system via water splitting.