Carbon Quantum Dot/TiO₂ Nanohybrids: Efficient Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Generation via Intimate Contact and Efficient Charge Separation

We report a facile synthesis of carbon quantum dot (CQD)-sensitized TiO₂/Pt nanocomposites as efficient and robust photocatalysts for light-driven proton reduction from water. We show that this method not only simplifies the synthetic procedure for such hybrid materials but also enhances the direct interaction between CQDs and TiO₂, which facilitates charge transfer from CQDs to TiO₂ and eventually improves its performance for light-driven H₂ generation. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the system with highest H₂ generation efficiency among all CQD-sensitized materials.