Influence of Copper as a Co-Catalyst of Potassium Hexaniobate Nanotubes on the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution from a Methanol Aqueous Solution

Abstract:

In the presence of Cu²⁺ ions, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from a methanol aqueous solution was achieved when potassium hexaniobate nanotubes were used as the catalyst. It was found that there existed a photo-induced period in the initial reaction stage. Furthermore, the photo-induced period was prolonged by increasing the amount of Cu²⁺ ions. After that, the rate of hydrogen evolution was dramatically improved. Combined with the reaction phenomena and the result of the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, it was deduced that the Cu²⁺ ions captured the photo-generated electrons of potassium hexaniobate nanotubes in the photo-induced period. Consequently, the Cu²⁺ ions were reduced and deposited on the potassium hexaniobate nanotubes. When the mass ratio of Cu to potassium hexaniobate nanotubes was 3 wt%, the rate of hydrogen evolution over the catalyst reached 21.9 mmol·g^-1·h^-1, which could almost match with Pt as a co-catalyst. These results showed that Cu was an effective alternative to Pt as a co-catalyst of potassium hexaniobate nanotubes for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from the methanol aqueous solution.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 239-242)
• Pages: 3298-3301
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.239-242.3298
• Online since: May 2011
• Authors: Xue Ling Zhao, Xiao Hui Yang, Xiang Qing Li, Ping Ping Yao, Shi Zhao Kang, Jin Mu
• Keywords: Cu Co-Catalyst, Hydrogen Evolution, Photocatalytic, Potassium Hexaniobate Nanotubes

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DOI: 10.1021/cm981136n