We present here nanoarchitectonics of nanoparticles of gold/LDH anionic clays  as active plasmonic photocatalysts for H₂ production from water/methanol mixtures (80:20) by using solar light, at room temperature [1]. The fabrication of Au/LDHs, as self-assemblies, is based on the formation of nanosized gold on the surface of the anionic clay during the clay structural reconstruction in the aqueous solution of AuCl₃ or Au(O₂CCH₃)₃. No organic compound is involved either in the clay synthesis or in the formation and the organization of Au NPs. The derived mixed oxides are obtained from Au/LDHs by calcination at 750°C. All the catalysts exhibit strong light absorption at around 550 nm due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of nanosized gold. Results reveal that not only the size-dependent characteristics of Au nanoparticles (e.g.: D_Au, S_Au) but also the composition of the LDH clay are important parameters for establishing the catalysts effectiveness for H₂ production under solar irradiation at room temperature. Au/clay nanoarchitectonics can open new opportunities for progress in the development of complex plasmonic nanostructures as solar-light driven photocatalysts for clean H₂ production.

[1] J. Mater. Chem A, accepted manuscript; DOI: 10.1039/C3TA11569K.

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