Pt Nanocluster Co-Catalysts for Photocatalytic Water Splitting

Degussa P25 is a benchmark form of TiO₂ 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 TiO₂ using an unmodified commercial source and equipment that is commonly available. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the procedure produces TiO₂ decorated with Pt atoms and nanoclusters (1⁻5 atoms). Optical reflectance and X-ray diffraction measurements show that the procedure does not affect the TiO₂ polymorph or ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorbance. Gas phase photocatalytic splitting of heavy water (D₂O) shows that the Pt nanocluster-decorated TiO₂ outperforms Pt nanoparticle (produced by photodeposition) decorated TiO₂ in D₂ production. Pt nanoclusters, produced directly from a commercial source, with high co-catalyst activity, are prime candidates to be used in benchmark photocatalytic reactions.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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