Synthesis of SnO2 and TiO2 Semiconductor Quantum Dots for Hydrogen Gas Evolution through Water Splitting Reaction

This paper reports on the synthesis, characterization of tin dioxide (SnO2) as well as titanium dioxide (TiO2) quantum dots (QDs) and compare their potential production of hydrogen gas (H2) through photocatalytic water splitting reaction. One pot synthesis of SnO2 QDs was prepared through thermal pyrolysis of tin stearate under non-hydrolytic approach. On the other hand, synthesis of TiO2 QDs was prepared through the mild condition of TiCl4 with the use of icy bath. According to HRTEM image, the shape of SnO2 QDs is almost quasi-spherical and TiO2 QDs is almost spherical in shape. Both nanoparticles have diameter ranged in 1-10 nm, while XRD patterns are matched well with standard pattern of SnO2 and TiO2 QDs, respectively. Optical studies reveal that both SnO2 and TiO2 are of UV-active compounds and hence, can be selected as the candidates for hydrogen production through UV activated photocatalytic water splitting reaction.