Insights into the synergy effect of anisotropic {001} and {230}facets of BaTiO3 nanocubes sensitized with CdSe quantum dots for photocatalytic water reduction

A novel kind of nanocomposites consisted of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) sensitized BaTiO3 nanocudes was successfully synthesized by facile hydrothermal and chemical bath methods to investigate the synergy effect of isotropic {001} facets and anisotropic ({230} and {001}) facets on photocatalytic water reduction. The CdSe QDs were randomly decorated on the isotropic facets or anisotropic facets of BaTiO3. The optimal CdSe QDs sensitization content was 7.5% (molar ratio), namely the 7.5% CdSe QDs sensitized BaTiO3 composite showed significantly enhanced photocurrent response and photocatalytic performance. The superior photocatalytic activities of CdSe/BaTiO3 composites were owing to the synergy effect of {001} and {230} facets including the charge separation and electronic reduction activities. The work suggested that crystal facet engineering had more promising application in the heterogeneous catalyst system.