Pt/TiO2 Nanosheets Array Dominated by {001} Facets with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

{001} facets dominated single crystalline anatase TiO2 nanosheet array (TNSA) was synthesized through an optimized organic solvothermal route on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate. The field emission scanning electron microscopy images and X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the {001} synthesized facets dominated TNSA exhibited much higher orientation than that synthesized by hydrothermal route. The TNSAs were loaded with Pt nanoparticies in uniformly size by using a photodecomposition method, which were further confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The HRTEM images also revealed that Pt nanoparticles preferred to deposit on {001} facets. With loading of Pt nanoparticles, the optical absorbance was significantly enhanced, while the photoluminescence (PL) was inhibited. The photocatalytic activity of TNSA was significantly improved by Pt loading and reached the maximum with optimal amount of Pt loading. The optimal amount of Pt on {001} facets is far less than that on TiO2 nanoparticles, which may be attributed to the specific atom structure of reactive {001} facets.