The Effect of Noble-Metal Deposition Routes on the Characteristics and Photocatalytic Activity of M-TiBi1.9%O2 (M = Pt and Pd)

Abstract

The effect of deposited noble-metals and their deposition routes on the photocatalytic decomposition of organic pollutants over M-TiBi1.9%O2 (M = Pt and Pd) under visible-light irradiation have been investigated. Glycol-assisted UV photodeposition and impregnation-reduction deposition routes (NaBH4 or combined He/H2) have been applied to prepare 1%M-TiBi1.9%O2 samples. The results show that the photocatalytic activity of 1%M/TiBi1.9%O2 via glycol-assisted UV pretreatment (1%M-365UV) is quite similar to those obtained after combined He/H2 pretreatment (1%M-He/H2), much superior to that of 1%M-NaBH4. A mild reduction process via glycol-assisted UV irradiation for 1%M-TiBi1.9%O2 shows impressive advantages over high temperature He/H2 reduction. The photocatalytic performance enhancement is attributed to the efficient capability of small Pt nanoparticles (NPs) for facilitating charge separation and providing active sites. It is hoped that this work could guide a facile synthesis of deposited noble-metal with small size toward achieving a highly-active supported noble-metal catalyst for diverse catalytic applications.