p-Type TiO2 Nanotubes: Quantum Confinement and Pt Single Atom Decoration Enable High Selectivity Photocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia

Jung H, Kim H, Will J, Spiecker E, Schmuki P (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Wiley

DOI: 10.1002/anie.202415865

Abstract

We synthesize p-type TiO2 nanotubes that allow band-gap adjustment by quantum confinement. These tubes therefore enable reductive photocatalytic reactions that are not thermodynamically possible on classic titania photocatalysts. Here, we demonstrate the direct photocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia without any need of hole scavengers. The quantum confinement effect (and thus the thermodynamic driving force) can be controlled by the thickness of the nanotube walls. Notably, the use of Pt single atoms as cocatalysts decorated on the TiO2 nanotubes additionally offers a superior ammonia production and a remarkable enhanced selectivity compared to Pt nanoparticles. Overall, the work not only highlights the potential of size-controlled modifications of electronic properties in extending the utility of a most classical photocatalyst but also exemplifies its use in technologically relevant reactions.

Authors with CRIS profile

Hayoon Jung Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffwissenschaften (Korrosion und Oberflächentechnik) (LKO) Hyesung Kim Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffwissenschaften (Korrosion und Oberflächentechnik) (LKO) Johannes Will Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffwissenschaften (Mikro- und Nanostrukturforschung) Erdmann Spiecker Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffwissenschaften (Mikro- und Nanostrukturforschung) Patrik Schmuki Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffwissenschaften (Korrosion und Oberflächentechnik) (LKO)

Additional Organisation(s)

Interdisziplinäres Zentrum, Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM) Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM)

How to cite

APA:

Jung, H., Kim, H., Will, J., Spiecker, E., & Schmuki, P. (2025). p-Type TiO2 Nanotubes: Quantum Confinement and Pt Single Atom Decoration Enable High Selectivity Photocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202415865

MLA:

Jung, Hayoon, et al. "p-Type TiO2 Nanotubes: Quantum Confinement and Pt Single Atom Decoration Enable High Selectivity Photocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia." Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2025).

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