Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution via Pt@Au NRs/C3N4 Nanotubes under Visible‐Light Irradiation

Abstract Au nanorods (NRs) decorated carbon nitride nanotubes (Au NRs/CNNTs) photocatalysts have been designed and prepared by impregnation–annealing approach. Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peaks of Au NRs can be adjusted by changing the aspect ratios, and the light absorption range of Au NRs/CNNTs is extended to longer wavelength even near‐infrared light. Optimal composition of Pt@Au NR 769 /CNNT 650 has been achieved by adjusting the LSPR peaks of Au NRs and further depositing Pt nanoparticles (NPs), and the photocatalytic H 2 evolution rate is 207.0 µmol h −1 (20 mg catalyst). Preliminary LSPR enhancement photocatalytic mechanism is suggested. On one hand, LSPR of Au NRs is beneficial for visible‐light utilization. On the other hand, Pt NPs and Au NRs have a synergetic enhancement effect on photocatalytic H 2 evolution of CNNTs, in which the local electromagnetic field can improve the photogenerated carrier separation and direct electron transfer increases the hot electron concentration while Au NRs as the electron channel can well restrain charge recombination, finally Pt as co‐catalyst can boost H + reduction rate. This work provides a new way to develop efficient photocatalysts for splitting water, which can simultaneously extend light absorption range and facilitate carrier generation, transportation and reduce carrier recombination.