Pt Nanocluster Co-Catalysts for Photocatalytic Water Splitting

oleh: Cameron J. Shearer, Jason F. Alvino, Munkhbayar Batmunkh, Gregory F. Metha

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2018-11-01

Deskripsi

Degussa P25 is a benchmark form of TiO<sub>2</sub> used worldwide in photocatalysis studies. Currently, no such benchmark exists for co-catalysts, which are essential for many photocatalytic reactions. Here, we present the preparation of Pt nanocluster co-catalysts on TiO<sub>2</sub> using an unmodified commercial source and equipment that is commonly available. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the procedure produces TiO<sub>2</sub> decorated with Pt atoms and nanoclusters (1&#8315;5 atoms). Optical reflectance and X-ray diffraction measurements show that the procedure does not affect the TiO<sub>2</sub> polymorph or ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorbance. Gas phase photocatalytic splitting of heavy water (D<sub>2</sub>O) shows that the Pt nanocluster-decorated TiO<sub>2</sub> outperforms Pt nanoparticle (produced by photodeposition) decorated TiO<sub>2</sub> in D<sub>2</sub> production. Pt nanoclusters, produced directly from a commercial source, with high co-catalyst activity, are prime candidates to be used in benchmark photocatalytic reactions.