Enhancement of Hydrogen Evolution from Water Photocatalysis Using Liquid Phase Plasma on Metal Oxide-Loaded Photocatalysts

This study examined hydrogen evolution by water photo catalysis using liquid phase plasma on metal oxide-loaded photocatalysts. Metal-loaded TiO2 nanocrystallites supported on mesoporous materials were introduced as photocatalysts. SBA-15 and MCM-41 mesoporous materials were applied as a support for the metal-loaded TiO2 nanocrystallites. The photocatalytic activities of the photocatalysts were estimated for hydrogen production from water. Hydrogen was generated in the photodecomposition of water through liquid phase plasma irradiation. The rate of hydrogen evolution was increased by the metal loading on the TiO2 surface. Photocatalytic activity was improved significantly with Ni loading on the TiO2. The TiO2 nanocrystallites prepared by sol gel method were incorporated above 50 wt % on the MCM-41 mesoporous support. The mesoporous materials acted as an efficient photocatalytic support for the fixation of TiO2. Hydrogen evolution was enhanced with Ni incorporation on the TiO2 supported on the mesoporous supports. The addition of formaldehyde to water induced an apparent enhancement of hydrogen evolution. The formaldehyde assists to improve the hydrogen production with adding of hydrogen by its decomposition.