Influence of yolk-shell Au@TiO2 structure induced photocatalytic activity towards gaseous pollutant degradation under visible light

Core-shell and yolk-shell [email protected]2 NPs were successfully synthesized, and the morphology differences were observed. Its photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous toluene under visible light illumination. The results indicated that yolk-shell [email protected]2 exhibited superior photocatalytic properties and demonstrated a good stability. Almost 57.3% of gaseous toluene was removed over 0.14 at% yolk-shell [email protected]2 in 3 h. It could also be reused for several times without corrosion. Furthermore, the comprehensive effect of LSPR response of Au, high cavity volume of yolk-shell structure, larger specific surface area, more mesoporous and the existence of Ti3+ were all benefit for the photocatalytic process. ESR tests also confirmed that h+, OH, O2− and Ti3+ generated from yolk-shell [email protected]2 were the main active species in the photocatalytic degradation progress of gaseous toluene under visible light irradiation.