Photocatalytic hydrogen production from water and wastepaper on Pt/TiO2 composites

Ultra-small Pt nanoparticles loaded on TiO 2 through in-situ photo-deposition for H 2 production via photo reforming of wastepaper was prepared in this study. The effect of noble metal cocatalyst, Pt loading, content of paper (e.g., napkin), and concentration of NaOH was investigated. Consequently, a highest H 2 production rate of 614.7 µmol/g/h was achieved in the optimum condition. It was found that both the solid paper and the dissolved part in the NaOH solution could scavenge the photo-generated holes and contribute to H 2 production. Our research provides a potential route for the reuse of wastepaper to produce clean fuel.