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, TiO 2 still has many advantages that attract many researchers. Single-atom loaded TiO 2 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 TiO 2 . 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–TiO 2 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.