Synthesis of Pt nanoparticles supported on a novel 2D bismuth tungstate/lanthanum titanate heterojunction for photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of methanol

Abstract

The combination of different semiconductors to form a heterojunction plays an important role for exploring new visible-light-driven electrocatalysts. Herein, a two-dimensional (2D) Bi2WO6/La2Ti2O7 (LTO) heterojunction has been synthesized and to be as carrier of Pt nanoparticles. Subsequently, electrocatalytic activity and stability of the as-obtained Pt-Bi2WO6/LTO has been evaluated in methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) under the action of visible light and electricity. Results indicate that Pt-Bi2WO6/LTO sample displays excellent catalytic performance and stability with assistance from visible light. Under identical conditions, the current intensity of MOR on the Pt-Bi2WO6/LTO modified electrode is found to reach 1409 mA mg−1Pt, which is 3.92 times higher than the measured Pt-Bi2WO6 modified electrode (359.8 mA mg−1Pt). In addition, the current density of MOR on Pt-Bi2WO6/LTO electrode decreases by 2.85% after scanning for 300 cycles. Furthermore, Pt-Bi2WO6/LTO is 6.99 times more resistant to poisoning than the Pt-Bi2WO6 electrode determines by chronopotentiometry under visible light illumination. The presented results indicate that a Pt-Bi2WO6/LTO nanocomposite is a viable alternative photo-electric catalyst, providing a potential new basis for the future development of catalysts in fuel cell reactions.