Na-Y zeolite supported TiO2/Pd nanoparticles for enhanced photoredox catalytic properties and green hydrogen generation

The insertion of multicomponent photoactive guests into zeolite channels improves photoredox and photocatalytic efficiency. In this report, we present the synthesis of a variety of composites comprising Pd-doped TiO₂ and zeolite NaY (ZeoNa-Y@TiO₂/Pd) and investigate their photocatalytic efficacy. The zeolite NaY serves as a host for the active titanium dioxide phase, while the palladium nanoparticle acts as a co-catalyst. The zeolite NaY in the catalyst composition enhances the efficiency by hindering the electron-hole recombination. The most efficacious catalyst shows a hydrogen production rate of 3.5 mmol.g⁻¹.h⁻¹. The degradation of the methylene blue dye reaches discoloration and mineralization above 98%.