Pd–MgNix nanospheres/black-TiO2 porous films with highly efficient hydrogen production by near-complete suppression of surface recombination

•Pd–MgNix nanospheres/black-TiO2 porous film was designed and prepared.•The film had a highly efficient hydrogen production from water splitting.•Hydrogen production rate of the film reached up to 34.93 mmol h−1 g−1.•Near-complete suppression of surface recombination ensured an excellent photocatalytic activity.

Hydrogen generated from solar-driven photocatalytic water splitting has the potential to be a clean, sustainable and abundant energy source. Herein, we demonstrate that Pd–MgNix nanospheres/black-TiO2 porous films serve as a highly efficient and convenient catalyst for photogeneration of hydrogen from water. Near-complete suppression of surface recombination ensures the excellent photocatalytic activity of Pd–MgNix nanospheres/black-TiO2 porous films, corresponding to high hydrogen production rates (34.93 mmol h−1 g−1). The result is promising for overall solar water splitting in a simple system, and is encouraging for application of this surface modification strategy to other candidate semiconductors.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide