Immobilization of noble metal nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2 by the sonochemical method: photocatalytic production of hydrogen from an aqueous solution of ethanol.

Sonochemically prepared Pt, Au and Pd nanoparticles were successfully immobilized onto TiO2 with the assistance of prolonged sonication. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated in H2 production from aqueous ethanol solutions. Beside the sonochemical method, the conventional impregnation method was also employed to prepare photocatalysts. The sonochemically prepared catalysts showed higher activities than did the conventional ones. Their photocatalytic activities depended on the work functions and the dimensions of supported noble metal nanoparticles. Smaller Pt nanoparticles effectively restricted recombination of electrons and holes and provided H2 at a higher rate.