Nanosilver/TiO2 Composite as Photoanode of Water Splitting System under Visible Light Illumination

A thin silver layer deposited on a conducting support of TiO2, photocatalyzes the oxidation and reduction of water to O2 and H2. The light sensitivity in the visible part of the spectrum is due to self-sensitization caused by reduced silver species. To test its water splitting capability, Silver coated-TiO2 photoanode was employed in the anodic part of a setup for photoelectrochemical water splitting system consisting of platinum plate for cathode and Ag/AgCl as a reference electrode. Illumination of the photoanode led to photoelectrochemical water splitting to O2 and H2. Silver coated- TiO2 photoanode showed more enhanced and increased photocurrent density than the pure TiO2.