Development of hydrogen production by liquid phase plasma process of water with Ni–TiO₂/carbon nanotube photocatalysts

Hydrogen evolution by water photocatalysis using liquid phase plasma system was disserted over metal-loaded TiO₂ photocatalysts. Carbon nanotube was applied as a support for the metal-loaded TiO₂ nanocrystallites. Photocatalytic activities of the photocatalysts were estimated for hydrogen production from water. Hydrogen was produced from the photodecomposition of water by liquid phase plasma irradiation. The rate of hydrogen evolution was improved by the metal loading on the TiO₂ surface. TiO₂ nanocrystallites were incorporated above 40 wt% onto the carbon nanotube support. The carbon nanotubes could be applied as a useful photocatalytic support for the fixation of TiO₂. Hydrogen evolution was enhanced by the Ni loading on the TiO₂ nanocrystallites supported on the carbon nanotube. Hydrogen evolution was increased apparently with addition of the alcohols which contributes as a kind of sacrificial reagent promoting the photocatalysis.