Au photosensitized TiO2 ultrathin nanosheets with {001} exposed facets.

ABSTRACT

We report a general route for the direct growth of metal particles on TiO2 nanosheets with (001) exposed facets by an oxygen-vacancy-driven self-redox reaction. As there is no need for thermal treatment to remove stabilizing agents, the structure of the nanoparticles can be retained, preserving the active sites associated with high activity.