Switchable Intrinsic Defect Chemistry of Titania for Catalytic Applications

Abstract

The energy crisis is one of the most serious issue that we confront today. Among different strategies to gain access to reliable fuel, the production of hydrogen fuel through the water-splitting reaction has emerged as the most viable alternative. Specifically, the studies on defect-rich TiO2 materials have been proved that it can perform as an efficient catalyst for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic water-splitting reactions. In this invited review, we have included a general and critical discussion on the background of titanium sub-oxides structure, defect chemistries and the consequent disorder arising in defect-rich Titania and their applications towards water-splitting reactions. We have particularly emphasized the origin of the catalytic activity in Titania-based material and its effects on the structural, optical and electronic behavior. This review article also summarizes studies on challenging issues on defect-rich Titania and new possible directions for the development of an efficient catalyst with improved catalytic performance.