Photodeposited IrO2 on TiO2 support as a catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

A simple, alternative, catalyst preparation method was proposed in order to combine the properties of photoactive and stable TiO2 with state-of-the art IrO2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). nanoparticles were obtained process photodeposition on surface powder by UV illumination from appropriate Ir salt aqueous solution. Physicochemical characterization resulting IrO2/TiO2 composite, containing 25% w/w Ir, carried out transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical behaviour prepared compared that commercial unsupported IrO2. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep (LSV) chronoamperometry (CA) performed identify electrochemistry OER catalyst. Electrochemical impedance (EIS) used determine uncompensated charge transfer resistance. CA experiments evaluate stability composite during dark under light irradiation. a support resulted 1–2 nm nanoparticles, very well dispersed their oxidized state (IrO2). results indicated despite its lower conductivity, exhibits comparable intrinsic electrocatalytic activity It found irradiation there has been improvement performance (presumably due sustained activation reactive species via photogenerated holes or OH radicals) as current enhancement (due interaction between nanoparticles). These would be beneficial effects prolonged water photo-electrolysis.