TiO2 From Colloidal Dispersion as Support in Pt/TiO2 Nanocomposite for Electrochemical Applications

TiO2 powder was synthesized by a forced hydrolysis process and used for the synthesis of Pt/TiO2 composite that is to be foreseen as an advanced electrode material. Pt was incorporated into the synthesized TiO2 from a Pt colloidal dispersion as a precursor prepared by a microwave- assisted polyol process. Physicochemical properties of TiO2 and TiO2- supported Pt were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and X- ray spectroscopy and diffraction techniques. The properties of Pt/TiO2 composite are correlated to the basic voltammetric response of its thin-layer form. It was found that subsequent thermal treatment of synthesized TiO2, which caused crystallization into mainly rutile phase, is required for appropriate Pt incorporation. Although being appropriately loaded by Pt, and the voltammetric response is typical for Pt-based material, the voltammetry of Pt/TiO2 corresponded to much lower loadings.The possibility for Pt particles to be trapped inside TiO2 agglomerates is indicated. The catalyst usage from the synthesized Pt/TiO2 was found quite moderate due to this trapping.