TiO2 nanotubes for hydrogen generation by photocatalytic water splitting in a two-compartment photoelectrochemical cell

Highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays for hydrogen production have been synthesized by electrochemical anodization of titanium sheets. Under solar light irradiation, hydrogen generation by photocatalytic water splitting was carried out in the two-compartment photoelectrochemical cell without any external applied voltage. The hydrogen gas and oxygen generated on Pt side and on TiO2 nanotubes side respectively were efficiently separated. The effect of anodization time on the morphology structures, photoelectrochemical properties and hydrogen production was systematically investigated. Due to more charge carrier generation and faster charge transfer, a maximum photoconversion efficiency of 4.13% and highest hydrogen production rate of 97 μmol h−1cm−2 (2.32 mL h−1cm−2) were obtained from TiO2 nanotubes anodized for 60 min.