TiO2 nanosheets loaded with Cu: A low-cost efficient photocatalytic system for hydrogen evolution from water

•Rutile TiO2 nanosheets were prepared by a simple solvothermal process.•Photocatalytic system containing TiO2 nanosheets and Cu was fabricated.•High rate of H2 evolution of approximately 22.1 mmol g−1 h−1.

Rutile TiO2 nanosheets were prepared by a simple solvothermal process, and Cu was loaded on the surface of TiO2 nanosheets using the in situ photo-deposition method. Meanwhile, photocatalytic H2 evolution from water over the as-prepared TiO2 nanosheets loaded with Cu was explored using methanol as a sacrificial reagent. The results indicate that the TiO2 nanosheets loaded with Cu is an efficient photocatalyst under UV irradiation. During the first 5 h, a rate of H2 evolution of approximately 22.1 mmol g−1 h−1 was achieved under optimal conditions. Furthermore, for practical purposes, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution was studied as a function of content of Cu, pH of solution, concentration of methanol and dosage of photocatalyst, respectively. At last, the photocatalytic mechanism was preliminarily discussed.

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