Strategic integration of phase ratio optimization and thin film approach on Degussa P25 for synergistic enhancement of solar photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Looking at the elevated performance of biphasic titania with optimal phase ratio followed by thin film photocatalysis, present work reports integration of phase ratio optimization of Degussa P25 (DP) and its thin film for superior solar photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The phase ratio of DP was optimized by varying calcination temperature and its impact on H2 evolution under solar irradiation were systematically studied. The H2 yield reached a maxima of 30.70 mmol h- 1 g- 1 and apparent quantum yield of 16.48 % for the material with A/R ratio of 1.45 which was 1.2 and 1.6 times that of the pristine DP. The superlative H2 generation ability of the material may be ascribed to its enhanced electron transport capabilities evidenced through its low charge transfer resistance along with its higher reduction capability. Further, through thin film integration, the H2 yield of the material was increased to 91.51 mmol h- 1 g- 1 which was 3 times that of the particulate material. Thus, tuning of the A/R ratio of titania material along with immobilization of the material through thin film formation can be a viable route to enhance the photocatalytic hydrogen generation capability of titania.