Pt Nanocluster Co-Catalysts for Photocatalytic Water Splitting

Abstract

Degussa P25 is a benchmark form of TiO 2 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 2 using an unmodified commercial source and equipment that is commonly available. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the procedure produces TiO 2 decorated with Pt atoms and nanoclusters (1-5 atoms). Optical reflectance and X-ray diffraction measurements show that the procedure does not affect the TiO 2 polymorph or ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorbance. Gas phase photocatalytic splitting of heavy water (D 2 O) shows that the Pt nanocluster-decorated TiO 2 outperforms Pt nanoparticle (produced by photodeposition) decorated TiO 2 in D 2 production. Pt nanoclusters, produced directly from a commercial source, with high co-catalyst activity, are prime candidates to be used in benchmark photocatalytic reactions.

Recent developments, advances and strategies in heterogeneous photocatalysts for water splitting

“…217 Despite the greater SA and shorter range of charge transfer to the reaction liquid, smaller-size cocatalyst particles are commonly selected in photocatalysis. 151,242,243 However, smaller-size cocatalysts have the disadvantage of poor visible light, which can decrease their shielding effect. 244 Singleatom-based cocatalysts have been focused on due to their small size.…”

Highly Active TiO2 Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Production through a Combination of Commercial TiO2 Material Selection and Platinum Co-Catalyst Deposition Using a Colloidal Approach with Green Reductants

“…The main goal of the second step was the improvement of hydrogen productivity by using a co-catalyst. For this purpose, PtNPs were immobilized onto the surface of TiO 2,PC500 as it is well-known that PtNPs are the most active co-catalyst for H 2 production [40][41][42]. Two methods were used for the immobilization of PtNPs: (a) a colloidal approach and (b) photodeposition.…”

Electronic Structure of Heteronuclear Cerium-Platinum Clusters

“…2−13 In addition, Ce-doped Pt, 14 Pt-doped ceria, 15−17 and CeO 2 nanostructure-supported single Pt atoms 18,19 have shown desirable properties as catalysts. In a closely related vein, research on Pt nanoparticles on defect-rich surfaces, 20,21 and the interactions of other metals, like Au, when supported on ceria, 22−25 has also been conducted. Cerium's ability to readily switch between the +3 and +4 oxidation states enhances the ionic conductivity of ceria, as well as its capability to bind and release oxygen, 26−28 both of which may contribute to effects arising from strong catalyst-support interactions highlighted in these studies.…”

“…The report from Bruix et al more than a decade ago, which detailed how strong interactions between Pt nanoparticle catalysts and CeO 2 support material resulted in enhanced activity toward the water-gas shift reaction, was followed by numerous studies geared toward characterizing the catalyst-support interactions. − In addition, Ce-doped Pt, Pt-doped ceria, − and CeO 2 nanostructure-supported single Pt atoms , have shown desirable properties as catalysts. In a closely related vein, research on Pt nanoparticles on defect-rich surfaces, , and the interactions of other metals, like Au, when supported on ceria, − has also been conducted. Cerium’s ability to readily switch between the +3 and +4 oxidation states enhances the ionic conductivity of ceria, as well as its capability to bind and release oxygen, − both of which may contribute to effects arising from strong catalyst-support interactions highlighted in these studies.…”