Promoting hydrogen production by loading PdO and Pt on N–TiO2 under visible light

Nitrogen/titanium dioxide (N/TiO2) visible light photocatalysts were prepared using the sol–gel method. The catalysts were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, reflective UV–visible spectroscopy, specific surface area measurements, and X-ray diffraction. The prepared catalysts were used to generate hydrogen gas through the water-splitting reaction under visible light (wavelengths greater than 400 nm). Various N/Ti addition ratios were tested, and the hydrogen generation rates were compared to determine the optimal ratio. The maximal hydrogen production rate (approximately 55 μmol h−1 g−1) was attained when the N/Ti ratio of N–TiO2 was 10. When PdO and Pt were loaded onto the N–TiO2 catalyst, the hydrogen generation rates increased to 544 and 772 μmol h−1 g−1, respectively. The highest hydrogen production rate (2460 μmol h−1 g−1) was obtained when bimetallic 0.05 wt% PdO-0.10 wt% Pt/N–TiO2 was used. After three times use the hydrogen yield of the catalyst was maintained as 83%. A possible mechanism of water splitting catalyzed by this visible light photocatalyst is proposed.