Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study reports the synthesis of a Ti@TiO 2 /Ni nanocomposite containing 20 wt% Ni via sonohydrothermal treatment combined with ultrasonic reduction of Ni 2+ using hydrazine. The composite exhibited notable photothermal activity toward hydrogen production in glycerol solution, achieving a rate of 4.41 mmol h −1 g −1 at 94 °C, which is 5.5 times higher than bare TiO 2 with an activation energy of 22 ± 1.5 kJ mol −1 . Interestingly, methane (CH 4 ) formation was observed exclusively in the Ni-containing composite, attributed to a Ni-catalyzed methanation pathway. Photoelectrochemical measurements revealed that Ni incorporation does not enhance the photocurrent response, suggesting that the improved performance arises primarily from surface catalytic effects and thermally-assisted reaction pathways rather than enhanced charge separation. These findings demonstrate that Ni modifies the reaction pathway of Ti@TiO 2 , enabling dual H 2 and CH 4 production.
Authors: Noura Zahir, Sergey I. Nikitenko, Tony Chave, Jiachen Sun, Dodzi Zigah, Christophe Coutanceau, Bruno G. Pollet
Institutions: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Institut de Chimie Séparative de Marcoule, Université de Poitiers, Institut de Chimie des Milieux et des Matériaux de Poitiers, Fédération de Recherche sur l'Hydrogène
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,470
Awards: G1190173965, G2078559283, G2980201894, Assisted Photocatalysis by Ferroelectric Polarization – Application for Hydrogen Production, G4656594441, H2 production by photo(electro)catalysis: operando analysis of new high entropy oxides photocatalysts, Eco-friendly and intensified chemical reactions, Poitiers Graduate School on physico-chemical properties of INTerfaces for AeRonautic, Energy and Environment
OpenAlex ID: W7202268629