Topographical study of TiO2 nanostructure surface for photocatalytic hydrogen production

TL;DR

This study explores how the topographical configuration of Pt-loaded TiO2 nanotube layers affects their efficiency in photocatalytic hydrogen production, identifying optimal structures for enhanced water splitting performance.

Contribution

It introduces a systematic investigation of different TiO2 nanotube configurations and their impact on photocatalytic hydrogen generation, providing design guidelines for improved efficiency.

Findings

Open top nanotubes produce 3.5 times more H2 than bottom closed structures.

Configuration significantly influences photocatalytic activity.

Pt decoration enhances hydrogen production across all configurations.

Abstract

In the present work we investigate the photocatalytic hydrogen production (water splitting) activity of different Pt loaded TiO2 nanotube layers. Therefore, we fabricate free standing membranes and fix them in four different configurations: top up (with initiation layer grass or without) and bottom up (bottom closed or open), then decorate the tubes with various amounts of Pt and measure the open-circuit photocatalytic H2 production rate. We find a strong influence of the configuration with the open top morphology showing the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency, these nanotubes yield 3.5 times more H2 than the least efficient structure (bottom closed). The work therefore provides valuable guidelines for optimizing TiO2 nanotube layers for photocatalytic applications.