Preparation of Au nanoparticles modified TiO2/C core/shell nanowire array and its catalytic performance for NaBH4 oxidation.

In this work, Au nanoparticles directly grown on the surface of TiO 2 core-C shell (Au/C@TiO 2 ) has prepared by a simple electrodeposition method for the first time. The morphology is characterized by scanning electron microscope, and its structure is investigated by X-ray diffraction. Au nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the surface of C@TiO 2 nanowire array. Its catalytic performance for NaBH 4 oxidation is evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry measurement. The results indicate that Au/C@TiO 2 shows a good and stable catalytic performance. In 2 mol cm −3 NaOH and 0.2 mol cm −3 NaBH 4 the oxidation current density for the electrooxidation of BH 4 − can reach 475 mA cm −2 at 0 V. The electrons transfer number released by BH 4 − electrooxidation on Au/C@TiO 2 electrode has been found to be a 6-electron process. The high performance is mainly attributed to its 3D structure which can promote the mass transport of NaBH 4 , electronic conductivity and Au utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]