Deposition of platinum on boron-doped TiO(2)/Ti nanotube arrays as an efficient and stable photocatalyst for hydrogen generation from water splitting

An efficient photocatalyst of boron-doped titanium dioxide/titanium nanotube array-supported platinum particles (Pt–B/TiO(2)/Ti NTs) was fabricated for photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production through a two-step route. First, B/TiO(2)/Ti NTs were prepared by anodic oxidation using hydrofluoric acid as electrolyte and boric acid as a B source. Then, Pt particles were deposited on the surface of B/TiO(2)/Ti NTs by photo-assisted impregnation reduction. The structure and properties of Pt–B/TiO(2)/Ti NTs were characterized by various physical measurements which showed the successful fabrication of Pt–B/TiO(2)/Ti NTs. The Pt–B/TiO(2)/Ti NTs, with a B-doping content of 15 mmol L(−1), showed the highest photocatalytic activity and exhibited a photocatalytic hydrogen-production rate of 384.9 μmol g(−1) h(−1), which was 9.2-fold higher than that of unmodified TiO(2)/Ti NTs (41.7 μmol g(−1) h(−1)). This excellent photocatalytic performance was ascribed mainly to the synergistic effect of Pt and B, which could enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO(2)/Ti NTs.