Priority CommunicationAtomically dispersed Pt on specific TiO2 facets for photocatalytic H2 evolution

•Pt single atoms on TiO2 nanocrystal were synthesized by a facile method.•The Pt single atoms selectively dispersed on the (1 0 1) facets of TiO2.•Pt1/TiO2 showed a high photocatalytic H2 evolution activity and recyclability.

Sunlight-driven hydrogen production from water splitting, assisted with the commonly used Pt/TiO2 catalyst, is a promising way to store clean and renewable energy. However, the photocatalytic activity of Pt/TiO2 is limited owing to the agglomeration of Pt atoms. Herein, we successfully synthesized a Pt/TiO2 catalyst, where Pt is atomically and selectively dispersed on the (1 0 1) facets of nanosized TiO2 single crystals. A remarkably higher photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution together with a considerable stability was observed as compared to commonly used Pt/TiO2. This study demonstrates a promising way to achieve atomically dispersed highly-active catalyst for water splitting.

Graphical abstractThis work successfully synthesized a Pt/TiO2 catalyst, where Pt atomically and selectively dispersed on the (1 0 1) facets of TiO2 crystals.Download high-res image (107KB)Download full-size image