Platinum nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 nanotube arrays as new highly active and non-poisoning catalyst for photo-electrochemical oxidation of galactose

Platinum nanoparticles were doped on the TiO2 nanotube using a microemulsion method. The TiO2 nanotube arrays were successfully fabricated by the anodizing of titanium sheets. The morphology and surface analysis of the Pt-TiO2 nanotubes were investigated using SEM, EDX and XRD respectively. The electro-oxidation of galactose on this catalyst in alkaline medium was studied using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry methods. The results showed that the oxidation peak currents on the Pt-TiO2 nanotubes for galactose oxidation are larger than those on a smooth platinum electrode and confirmed the better electro-catalytic activity and stability of these new catalysts. The photo-catalytic properties of the TiO2 make the Pt-TiO2 nanotubes electrode reusable after a short UV treatment, and the electro-oxidation current density of the Pt-TiO2 nanotubes after UV-cleaning can be re-established.

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► Anti-poisoning ability of TiO2 makes Pt-TiO2 re-usable after a short UV treatment.
► Pt-TiO2 showed a remarkably enhanced performance for galactose oxidation under UV.
► For galactose oxidation, Pt-TiO2 has high current density and good stability.