文摘
Integration of nanoscale plasmonic metals with semiconductors is a promising strategy for utilizing visible and near-infrared light to enhance chemical reactions. Here we report on the preparation of Au/CeO<sub>2sub> microsphere photocatalysts through aerosol spray and the study of their photocatalytic activity toward the aerobic oxidation of 1-phenylethanol under visible light. The microsphere catalysts exhibit a remarkable photocatalytic performance with their turnover frequency values reaching 108 h<sup>–1sup>, which is more than 23 times that of (Au core)@(CeO<sub>2sub> shell) nanostructures and much larger than those obtained previously for the visible-light photocatalytic oxidation of 1-phenylethanol. In addition, the Au/CeO<sub>2sub> catalyst shows the best performance among eight types of oxide semiconductor supports. Moreover, the photocatalytic mechanism of the Au/CeO<sub>2sub> catalyst is systematically investigated. This study offers insights for plasmonic hot electron-enabled photocatalysis, which will be valuable for the design of various efficient (plasmonic metal)/semiconductor photocatalysts.