Lepidocrocite-Type Layered Titanate Nanoparticles as Photocatalysts for H2 Production

The preparation temperature of lepidocrocite-type layered potassium lithium titanate with the formula K0.8Ti1.73Li0.27O4 was optimized for photocatalytic H-2 production. K0.8Ti1.73Li0.27O4 was prepared by solid-state reactions at varied temperatures (600-1000 degrees C) and subsequently treated with dilute HCl to obtain its protonated form. Depending on the preparation temperature, the particle size and crystallinity of K0.8Ti1.73Li0.27O4 varied, and the photocatalytic activity of the protonated forms of K0.8Ti1.73Li0.27O4 for H2 production from aqueous methanol solution was correlated with the preparation temperature. K0.8Ti1.73Li0.27O4 nanoparticles prepared at 700 degrees C with a particle size estimated to be within the range of ca. 100-300 nm gave the largest amount of H-2, equivalent up to 42 times higher than that given by K0.8Ti1.73Li0.27O4 prepared at commonly reported temperatures (-800 degrees C). This finding reinforces the importance of preparation temperature to full utilization of the capabilities of nanomaterials derived from ceramic processes.

Automated summary

The preparation temperature was optimized for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production of a lepidocrocite-type layered potassium lithium titanate. The particle size, crystallinity, and photocatalytic activity of the material were influenced by the preparation temperature. Nanoparticles prepared at 700 degrees C showed the highest H2 production performance.