Abstract

Ultrathin anatase TiO2 nanosheets with dominant {001} facets (~82%) and controllable thickness (1.6–2.7 nm) were firstly synthesized by using a modified one-pot hydrothermal route. As a morphology controlling agent, the concentration of hydrofluoric acid has significant impact on the thickness of the as-synthesized TiO2 nanosheets. In addition, according to the XRD patterns and TEM images of the products on different reaction stages, the growth process of TiO 2 nanosheets was clarified for the first time. We further measured the efficiency for H 2 evolution of the ultrathin anatase TiO2 nanosheets loaded with 1 wt % Pt from photochemical reduction of water in the presence of methanol as a scavenger. The TiO2 nanosheets exhibited a H2 evolution rate as high as 7381 μmol·h-1·g-1 under UV-visible light irradiation, attributing to their exposed reactive {001} facets and high crystallinity. 1.