Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi Everyone! I am currently doing a science fair experiment on increasing the efficiency of TiO2 Water Splitting capabilities. I have already purchased 12 ounces of TiO2 powder and am extremely excited to start. However, I have read online that there are many methods to increase the efficiency of this process and also many methods to start water splitting. The most popular one is with platinum, something that I cannot really afford at this point, so I was wondering if someone could help me and possibly guide me through the beginning of testing. I would extremely appreciate any help from anyone.

Thank you for your time!

Hi blackbird123,

Photocatalytic water splitting is a very interesting topic but I'm not very familiar with it. My impression after some reading is that recent research has centered on catalyst compositions and reagents that may promote hydrogen production from water when irradiated with sunlight. It does appear that many catalyst formulations and reaction conditions have been tested and reported. One review of some of this research work is at this link:

http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/do ... 1&type=pdf


Could you provide some details about your project and experimental plans? It seems to me that you might choose to test one catalyst in different reaction conditions (or with different reagents added to the water). Or you might choose to test different catalysts. In any event it seems that you'd need a way to measure the amount of hydrogen produced in each of your test conditions. And you'd need to buy or prepare the catalysts and reagents.


I hope this helps and good luck with your project. Please post again if you have more questions.

A. Norman