Self-hydrogenated shell promoting photocatalytic H2 evolution on anatase TiO2

Abstract

Photocatalytic water splitting on TiO2 is a promising route to H2 fuel production, but the mechanistic pathway at the water–TiO2 interface remains poorly understood. Here, using liquid environmental TEM and first-principles calculations, the authors unveil the formation of a self-hydrogenated shell on the TiO2 surface that further promotes H2 production.