Synthesis of mesoporous single crystal rutile TiO_2 with improved photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical activitiest

摘要

Mesoporous single crystal rutile TiO_2 with clear facets was prepared by a seeded template method. As a result of unique microstructure, the resulting TiO_2 exhibits remarkably improved photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical activities in hydrogen or oxygen evolution. The development of mesoporous photocatalysts has attracted wide research interest due to their great potential in improving reactivity. The merits associated with the mesoporous structure include abundant reactive sites, increased absorbance by the light scattering effect and a possible reaction confinement effect in mesopores.