Preparation of Pt-TiO2 photoelectrocatalysis: Morphology and self-cleaning properties of the electrodes

Titanium oxide nanotubes were successfully fabricated by the anodizing of titanium sheets Then, platinum nanoparticles were doped on titanium oxide nanotubes using micro-emulsion method. The morphology and surface analysis of the Pt -TiO2 electrodes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy respectively.The electro-oxidation of alcohols and sugars on the Pt -TiO2 electrodes were studied using electrochemical methods. The results showed that the oxidation peak currents on the Pt -TiO2 electrode for alcohols and sugars oxidation were several times larger than those on a smooth platinum electrode. The photo-catalytic properties of the TiO2 made the Pt-TiO2 electrode reusable after a short UV treatment and the electro-oxidation current density of the Pt -TiO2 electrode after UV-cleaning could be reestablished.