PdCu deposited alloys on TiO2 for hydrogen photo-production

Abstract

The role of a Pd-based co-catalyst supported on a high surface area anatase powder is analyzed for the photo-production of hydrogen from methanol:water mixtures. The co-catalyst chemical composition was modified by replacing palladium atoms with copper. The preparation method renders alloyed particles with a primary particle size in the 5–6 nm interval. A Pd:Cu 3:1 ratio promotes strongly the activity of the noble metal. According to the quantum efficiency parameter, the Pd:Cu 3:1 alloy increases by ca. 2 the activity of the monometallic Pd counterpart. The analysis of the photoactivity points out that alloying does not affect positively charge recombination and handling.