An improved photocatalytic activity of H2 production: a hydrothermal synthesis of TiO2 nanostructures in aqueous triethanolamine

Abstract

In this study, novel hydrothermal synthesis is used to explore the impact of photocatalytic activity on H 2 production using an aqueous solution of triethanolamine (TEoA) in TiO 2 nanostructures designed with varying molar concentrations of HCl, and the production of molecular hydrogen is explored as a function of molar concentration. A solar simulator is utilized to assess the photocatalytic activities of methyl orange degradation under UV light irradiation and molecular H 2 production. Also, XRD patterns and SEM images are explored to show agglomerated nanoparticle formation, and an EDX spectrum is employed to confirm TiO 2 compositions. The band gap analysis of produced nanostructures is performed using a UV-Vis spectrometer and is found to be varying in between 2.5 and 3.0 eV, while the maximum methyl orange degradation corresponds to 1.0 M concentration of HCl, indicating an enhanced hydrogen production. To meet the foreseeable future energy crises and worsening environmental challenges, we may need sustainable energy sources, and photocatalysis molecular H 2 production offers a viable alternative to fossil fuels that can be employed to tackle future difficulties.