Pd-Gardenia-TiO_2 as a photocatalyst for H2 evolution from pure water

摘要

The photocatalytic activity for H_2 evolution from pure water over Pd loaded TiO_2 prepared by gardenia extract (Pd-Gardenia-TiO_2) is systematically investigated. The as-prepared photocatalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectros-copy. Gardenia extract functions as reducing and stabilizing agents simultaneously. The mean size of the as-prepared Pd nanoparticles is in the range of 2.3 ± 0.5 nm based on TEM images. The Pd-Gardenia-TiO_2 catalyst exhibits good photocatalytic activity for H_2 evolution (93 nmol • h~(-1)• g~(-1)), which is much higher than that of Pd photodeposited on TiO_2. Possible factors for its photocatalytic activity from pure water are also investigated.