Influence of Sacrificial Reagents on the Photodeposition Reaction of Cocatalysts

Abstract

Cocatalyst depositing on photocatalysts with the oxidation of sacrificial reagents (photodeposition) has been widely used because of its simplicity. In most cases, alcohols are used as sacrificial reagents during photodeposition; however, the optimal types have yet to be fully investigated. In this study, methanol (MeOH) and triethanolamine (TEOA) are used as sacrificial reagents to prepare Pt‐ or Au‐deposited titanium dioxide. The use of different sacrificial reagents changes the deposition process. Pt deposited in the presence of MeOH and Au deposited in the presence of TEOA show higher cocatalytic activity. In this study, it is suggested that the consideration and selection of sacrificial reagents in terms of their reactivity with the cocatalyst are important for the development of optimal cocatalyst‐supported photocatalysts.