Enhanced hydrogen production activity over BiO X TiO 2 under solar irradiation: Improved charge transfer through bismuth oxide clusters

A series of titania nanoparticles and nanotubes deposited with various quantities of bismuth (Bi) were prepared via sol-gel and hydrothermal methods, respectively. They were then characterized using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), and BET surface analysis. These catalysts were employed for the photocatalytic production of hydrogen from a mixture of pure water and glycerol under solar light irradiation. The presence of the Bi(3+x)+ species was found to play a vital role in enhancing activity while minimizing electron hole recombination (relative to bare TiO2). The nanotubes exhibited better activity than the nanoparticles of Bi-deposited TiO2, showing the significance of the morphology; however, photocatalytic activity is predominantly dependent on the deposition of bismuth. The activity increased by approximately an order of magnitude at the optimum concentration of Bi deposited over TiO2 (2 wt%). The presence of the Bi(3+x)+ species played a vital role in minimizing electron hole recombination, resulting in higher activity compared to bare TiO2.