PNNL

Abstract

In this work, the nanocomposite electrodes consisting of Pt and TiO2 nanotubular arrays have been synthesized, and the morphologies, structural, and photo-electrochemical properties of the electrodes are characterized by SEM, XRD, and electrochemical methods. Highly ordered TiO2 nanotubular arrays can be obtained through anodization of titanium. The platinum nanoparticles are electrodeposited into TiO2 nanotubes by a chronopotentiometry method. Cyclic voltammetry and XRD measurements can confirm the presence of platinum in this nanocomposite electrode. The nanostructural electrode greatly improved performances for methanol oxidation under UV-Vis illumination compared to that without illumination. An enhancement of 58% in the current density has been observed upon illumination with UV-Vis light irradiance at an intensity of 50 mW/cm2. The improved performance of the TiO2/Pt nanocomposite electrode results from a enhanced methanol oxidation by photo-generated holes in the TiO2 nanoarrays under illumination and a synergistic effectiveness between TiO2 and Pt nanoparticles.