A Mesoporous Pt/TiO2 Nanoarchitecture with Catalytic and Photocatalytic Functions

A novel metal/semiconductor nanocomposite with catalytic and photocatalytic functions has been prepared. The new material consists of highly dispersed platinum (Pt) nanoparticles embedded in a cubic mesoporous nanocrystalline anatase (meso‐nc‐TiO2) thin film. The porous thin film possesses a narrow pore‐size distribution and a large surface area. The diameter of the Pt cluster can be controlled to below 5 nm, and the high dispersion of these clusters gives rise to catalytic activity for the oxidation of carbon monoxide, an important reaction for automobile exhaust treatment. This novel ordered mesoporous Pt/TiO2 nanoarchitecture is also a promising photochemical material, as demonstrated by the photo‐driven killing of Micrococcus lylae cells on the film. A versatile Pt/TiO2 catalyst: A novel mesoporous Pt/TiO2 nanoarchitectural film has been prepared. The Pt nanoclusters are confined and stabilized by the framework of mesoporous nanocrystalline TiO2 (see graphic). This stable nanohybrid film possesses large specific surface area, uniform pore size, and an accessible pore‐wall system, making it a promising catalytic/photocatalytic material.