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

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, N-2 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 H-2 evolution rate of 9.79 mmol h(-1) g(-1), while 0.8-Pt-I-M-Nb2O5 exhibits a H-2 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.