Selective deposition of redox co-catalyst(s) to improve the photocatalytic activity of single-domain ferroelectric PbTiO3 nanoplates

Abstract

With the assistance of a ferroelectric field in PbTiO₃ nanoplates, noble metals and metal oxides can be selectively deposited on the positively and negatively charged {001} facets of the nanoplates. Compared to PbTiO₃ with randomly deposited reducing co-catalyst Pt particles, photocatalytic H₂ evolution on PbTiO₃ with Pt particles selectively deposited on the positively charged {001} facet is an order of magnitude better.