Impact of TiO2-II phase stabilized in anatase matrix by high-pressure torsion on electrocatalytic hydrogen production

摘要

Electrocatalysis using renewable energy sources provides a clean technology to produce hydrogen from water. Titanium oxide is considered as a potential electrocatalyst not only for hydrogen production but also for CO_(2) conversion. In this study, to enhance the cathodic electrocatalytic activity of TiO_(2), the phase composition on TiO_(2) surface is modified by inclusion of high-pressure TiO_(2)-II phase using high-pressure torsion (HPT) straining. Detailed spectroscopic studies revealed that the energy band gap is reduced and the valence band energy increased with increasing the TiO_(2)-II fraction. The highest electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen production was achieved on an anatase-rich nanocomposite containing TiO_(2)-II nanograins.