Single-Atom Pd Supported on TiO2 for the Photocatalytic Production of Hydrogen

Sunlight splitting water to produce hydrogen has become a feasible solution to the energy crisis and environmental problems. As one of the most popular photocatalysts, TiO2 still has many advantages that attract many researchers. Single-atom loaded TiO2 has garnered significant attention and usage as a water splitting photocatalyst, but still there is an urgent requirement to discover a stable, efficient, and cost-effective approach to achieve stable single-atom catalysts. In this investigation, a one-step microwave hydrothermal method was employed to fabricate Pd single-atom loaded TiO2. The prepared samples exhibit particle sizes in the range of 6–7 nm, showcasing excellent dispersion and a substantial specific surface area. The Pd atoms are securely anchored, forming stable Pd–O bonds with the support material. The resulting Pd–TiO2 catalyst exhibited an impressive hydrogen evolution rate of 24.6 mmol g–1 h–1, accompanied by an AQY of 23.4% at 365 nm. This research presents a viable and economical strategy for producing single-atom loaded catalysts with high efficiency.