Mechanisms involved in the platinization of sol–gel-derived TiO2 thin films

Sol–gel TiO2 thin films have been loaded with platinum nano-particles via their immersion within a Pt4+ precursor liquid solution exposed to UV light. Mechanisms involved in the photo-induced formation of platinum particles have been studied by UV/visible spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. According to studied mechanisms, it is shown that the amount, size, and structural state of photo-generated platinum particles dispersed at a solid surface can flexibly be monitored.