Simultaneous production of hydrogen and chlorine through overall brine splitting with a particulate photocatalyst

Abstract

Sunlight-driven photocatalytic water splitting shows promise for green H₂ production. In an attempt to achieve seawater splitting, we constructed a new stoichiometric brine splitting system that produces H₂ along with Cl₂ instead of O₂. Cl₂—a more potent high-value-added oxidant than O₂—was obtained with 100% selectivity over 10 h by adjusting the solution pH to acidic using a UV-light-driven Pt-loaded TiO₂ photocatalyst. Our new photosynthesis system can permit economically feasible solar chemical production.