Enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 nanopowders for H2 production by using non-noble transition metal co-catalysts

Abstract

Co and Ni-nanoclusters are attractive alternatives to Pt catalysts for hydrogen generation. These earth abundant elements when loaded onto the TiO2 nanopowders surface act as efficient co-catalysts. Co, Ni-decorated TiO2 photocatalysts display only three (3) times lower catalytic activities for H2 evolution under UV illumination compared with Pt-decorated TiO2 photocatalysts.