Preliminary synthesis of the TiO2 photocatalyst for hydrogen production

Abstract. The preliminary analysis of the proposed work, specifically the development of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst, was described in this chapter. The results of the analysis are useful for comparing the composite structures of TiO2 photocatalysts with different calcination temperatures. Various crystalline and amorphous structures of TiO2, such as anatase, rutile, and brookite, have garnered significant attention for their diverse applications. This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of TiO2 photocatalysts for hydrogen production applications. TiO2, known for its stability, non-toxicity, and low cost, has garnered significant interest due to its unique properties. Utilizing various experimental methods including sol-gel hydrothermal synthesis and calcination at different temperatures, the researchers synthesized anatase and rutile TiO2 photocatalysts. Characterization techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), surface area analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were employed to analyze the structural and performance properties of the photocatalysts. Results revealed that calcination temperature significantly influenced the crystallinity, particle size, surface area, and pore structure of TiO2, with an optimal temperature of 500°C yielding superior photocatalytic activity. Electrochemical analysis indicated smoother photocharge carrier transfer kinetics and enhanced photo electrocatalytic activity for TiO2 calcined at 500°C, highlighting its potential for efficient hydrogen production. This comprehensive investigation contributes valuable insights into the development of sustainable TiO2 photocatalysts for clean energy applications.