Anatase/TiO2(B) homojunction nanosheets with a gold cocatalyst for direct photocatalytic coupling of methane to ethane†

An anatase/TiO₂(B) homojunction loaded with Au nanoparticles was synthesized, achieving a C₂H₆ yield rate of 170 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ in a flow photoreactor. The homojunction reduces TiO₂(B)'s strong oxidative ability, offering a more moderate environment for methane dehydrogenation, while Au aids in charge mitigation and methyl radical coupling. The catalyst highlights homojunction engineering and a ternary synergistic effect in photocatalytic CH₄ coupling.