In the present investigation, facet-controlled
Pd nanoparticles
with nanocube (PdNC) and truncated octahedron (PdTO) morphologies, and their counterparts with half-a-monolayer of atomic
Pt coated (0.5θPt-PdNC and 0.5θPt-PdTO) surfaces were prepared. All of them were
characterized and evaluated as cocatalyst after supporting them on
commercial titania (P25) (PdNC/P25, PdTO/P25,
0.5θPt-PdNC/P25, and 0.5θPt-PdTO/P25) under direct sunlight and/or one sun conditions
for the oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde along with solar hydrogen
production. PdNC/P25 shows higher activity for hydrogen
generation compared to PdTO/P25; however, activity reversal
occurs with the above cocatalysts, but, after Pt-coating with further
enhanced activity. The highest conversion of methanol (0.2 μmol/h.mg)
to 100% selective formaldehyde was observed with 0.5θPt-PdTO/P25, while other catalysts show significantly lower
methanol conversion in the following order: 0.5θPt-PdTO/P25 > 0.5θPt-PdNC/P25
> PdNC/P25 > PdTO/P25. Pt-coated on (111)
facets
of PdTO simulates the activity associated as that of Pt(111)
facets and demonstrating the highest and facet dependent activity.
The present study is truly in resonance with exploiting the surface
properties for heterogeneous catalysis, and highlights that less than
a monolayer of Pt is sufficient to simulate the activity as that of
bulk Pt. It is worth exploring this concept to other metals and substrates
too.
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