Graphite oxide as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production from water

A graphite oxide (GO) semiconductor photocatalyst with an apparent bandgap of 2.4-4.3 eV is synthesized by a modified Hummers' procedure. The as-synthesized GO photocatalyst has an interlayer spacing of 0.42 n m because of its moderate oxidation level. Under irradiation with UV or visible light, this CO photocatalyst steadily catalyzes H₂ generation from a 20 vol % aqueous methanol solution and pure water. As the GO sheets extensively disperse in water, a cocatalyst is not required for H₂ generation over the GO photocatalyst During photocatalytic reaction, the GO loses some oxygen functional groups, leading to bandgap reduction and increased conductivity. This structural variation does not affect the stable H₂ generation over the GO. The encouraging results presented in this study demonstrate the potential of graphitic materials as a medium for water splitting under solar illumination.