Photogenerated carriers transfer in Pd/TiO2-AgO heterojunction and its photocatalytic behaviors on oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene

Photocatalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene with a high selectivity is an attractive reaction. In this study, different types of heterojunctions between Pd/TiO2 and a second metal oxide semiconductor were designed and synthesized to realize high activity conversion of C2H6 to C2H4. Pd/TiO2-AgO heterojunction was proved with best reaction performance. The addition of AgO facilitated the activation of reactant molecules. It enhanced directional transfer of electron-hole pairs and separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. Pd/TiO2-5% AgO heterojunction was proved with the best separation ability of photogenerated carriers and the largest number of surface hydroxyl groups. Detailed charge transfer path and reaction mechanism were proposed and discussed.