Homogeneously embedded Pt nanoclusters on amorphous titania matrix as highly efficient visible light active photocatalyst material

• Homogeneously embedded Pt nanoclusters on amorphous titania matrix has been prepared.
• Facile low temperature colloidal synthesis technique has been used.
• Enhanced catalytic performance could be observed.
• Work can pave way for tuning photocatalytic activity of composite materials.

A novel and facile technique, based on colloidal synthesis route, has been utilized for the preparation of homogeneously embedded Pt nanoclusters on amorphous titania matrix. The material has been thoroughly characterized using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, powder x-ray diffraction, optical and Raman spectroscopic techniques to understand the morphology, structure and other physical characteristics. The photocatalytic activity of the material under visible light irradiation was demonstrated by investigations on the degradation of two organic dyes (methylene blue and rhodamine B). In comparison to other PtTiO2 based nanomaterials (core-shell, doped nanostructures, modified nanotubes, decorated nanospheres and binary nanocomposites), the embedded Pt nanoclusters on titania was found to be highly efficient for visible light active photocatalytic applications. The enhanced catalytic performance could be attributed to the efficient charge separation and decreased recombination of the photo generated electrons and holes at the Pt-titania interface and the availability of multiple metal-metal oxide interfaces due to homogeneous embedment of Pt nanoclusters on amorphous titania. In essence, this work illustrates that homogeneous embedment of noble metal nanoparticles/nanoclusters on semiconductor metal oxide matrices can lead to tuning of the photophysical properties of the final material and eventually enhance its photocatalytic activity.

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