The optimized photocatalytic activity of Au-TiO2-Pt nanodumbbells benefited from the efficient utilization of modulated incident energy localized in Au SPR.

Due to the capacity of efficiently harvesting and converting light energy, the property of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the noble metal is employed as an efficient assistant in photoelectrochemical water splitting. In this study, the Au nanoparticles (NPs) were modified on the 1D ordered structure as the active sites of the SPR effect for the plasmon-enhanced photocatalytic performance. A maximum current density of 4.45 mA cm −2 at 1.2 V (versus RHE) was obtained in alkaline solution without a sacrificial agent for the ZnO-CdS-Au photoelectrode, which was 1.48 times higher than that of the ZnO-CdS nanorods without Au decoration, as well as the ~235% enhancement of the photoconversion efficiency. Compared to similar nanostructures previously reported, the present superior photoactivity response was ascribed to the injection process of the energetic hot electrons generated through the excitation and decay of surface plasmons in the Au NPs, resulting in the efficient separation and migration of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in ternary nanorod arrays. These excellent results have expanded the comprehensive understanding of hot electron migration in plasmonic NP-semiconductor nanocomposite, and provided a promising strategy for the rational design of the plasmonic-enhanced photocatalyst.

C9 arenes consist of a series of isomeric compounds with very close boiling points. Although hard to separate by distillation, e.g. the separation of 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene and 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene, it was possible to perform flow sheet and equipment analyses of the actual operating data by computer simulation and produce a successful flow sheet revamp. That is, with new separation technology and structured packing technology, the original flow sheet was rearranged and columns were reconstructed. The conclusion of the retrofit demonstrated increased throughput, purity and productivity of 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene (the main product). In addition, 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene, a very important by‐product, was obtained at higher purity. This reconstruction brings significant economic benefit and advanced technology for the separation and utilization of C9 arenes in worldwide operations. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.