Enhancing photocatalytic performance relies on efficient and stable solar energy utilization, broadening visible light absorption, and optimizing interfacial charge transfer mechanisms. We successfully synthesized lead-cerium co-doped TiO2 enriched with oxygen vacancies (Tiδ+-Ov(-Ceδ+)-Pb2+) using sol-gel and direct addition methods. Results show that Pb2+ ions are uniformly distributed within the oxygen vacancy-rich TiO2 lattice, synergizing with surface-embedded Ce2+/Ce3+ ions to extend the visible light absorption range of TiO2. This led to a 32.3% increase in light absorption and an approximate 90% improvement in photoelectric conversion efficiency. The maximum photocurrent density reached 3.1 μA/cm², with a reduction of 0.15 eV in the initial oxidation potential and a 30% decrease in bandgap width. Under simulated sunlight (AM1.5G), the hydrogen production rate of Tiδ+-Ov(-Ceδ+)-Pb2+ was 11.516 μmol/h/g, double the combined output of TiO2-Ce and TiO2-Pb. Mechanistic analysis reveals that the superior performance stems from the interfacial sites in Tiδ+-Ov(-Ceδ+)-Pb2+, where the low-valent Pb2+ and variable-valent Ce3+/Ce4+ ions act as charge traps that promote efficient charge separation. Furthermore, surface-embedded Ce generates an uneven surface potential, facilitating the adsorption of formaldehyde molecules from the solution onto the modified TiO2 surface and improving carrier dynamics. These findings provide new strategies for designing and optimizing high-efficiency photocatalytic materials.

You have access to this article

Please wait while we load your content... Something went wrong. Try again?