One-step synthesis of mesoporous Pt–Nb2O5 nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production activity

Abstract

Mesoporous Pt–Nb₂O₅ photocatalysts with high photocatalytic hydrogen production activity were synthesized by a one-step method. The mesoporous structure of the as-made samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms and transmission electron microscopy. Pt–Nb₂O₅ exhibited higher hydrogen production activity than pure Nb₂O₅ and 0.8-Pt–D–M–Nb exhibited the best photocatalytic activity. In addition, Pt–Nb₂O₅ synthesized by a one-step method exhibited higher photocatalytic hydrogen production activity than that prepared by an incipient wetness impregnation method; 0.8-Pt–D–M–Nb exhibits a H₂ evolution rate of 9.79 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, while 0.8-Pt–I–M–Nb₂O₅ exhibits a H₂ evolution rate of 7.73 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of Pt–Nb₂O₅ was predominantly attributed to the efficient separation of photoinduced electrons and holes.