Optimization of platinum-palladium-TiO2 by composites of functional properties of anodic synthesized titanium dioxide

A detailed analysis of the morphology and chemical composition of TiO2 composites with varying noble metal content, synthesized in a fluoride-containing ethylene glycol-based electrolyte, is presented. The study demonstrates how the synthesis conditions of the coating affect the structure and stoichiometry of the resulting oxide coating. SEM images show that the porous structure of the coatings is preserved after the deposition of metal layers. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of platinum in metallic form and palladium in both metallic and oxide forms. X-ray diffraction revealed the presence of anatase TiO2, metallic titanium, platinum, palladium, and palladium oxide phases. Thermal treatment at 500°C was shown to increase the crystalline phase fraction. XPS spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Ti 2p, O 1s, Pt 4f, and Pd 3d on the surface. Electrochemical properties studied using the Mott–Schottky method indicated that the coatings exhibit n-type conductivity with a high carrier concentration. The platinum coating remained stable after 9 h of operation, while sequentially deposited layers of platinum and palladium extended the electrode lifetime in almost 24 times.