Investigating the activity of modified TiO2 photocatalysts used for the photoreforming of biomass derivatives

• Published in: Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. A, Chemistry. Vol. 453; p. 115654
• Main Authors: Umair, Muhammad, Loddo, Vittorio, Palmisano, Leonardo, Pintar, Albin, Žerjav, Gregor, Palmisano, Giovanni, Al Jitan, Samar, Bellardita, Marianna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Biomass valorisation; Glucose and fructose partial oxidation; Modified TiO2; Photocatalytic H2 production; Photocatalytic H2 production; Glucose and fructose partial oxidation; Biomass valorisation; Modified TiO2
• ISSN: 1010-6030; 1873-2666
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2024.115654

Different TiO2-based photocatalysts modified with metal species (Pt, Cu2O, Nb) have been synthesized and applied in the photo-reforming of glucose and fructose with the aim of linking the photoactivity to some structural and surface characteristics. Bare TiO2 was inactive towards H2 production, Cu2O was effective in replacing Pt for hydrogen generation, and the presence of Pt/Nb was beneficial for both H2 production and selective oxidation. Surprisingly, Pt also modifies the surface acid-base properties of catalysts as revealed by DRIFT and TDP measurements in the presence of probe molecules. [Display omitted] •Different modified-TiO2 photocatalysts were characterized by different surface, structural and textural techniques.•The photoactivity of the samples were compared for the photo-reforming of glucose and fructose.•Both high value-added compounds and hydrogen were produced.•Cu2O was effective in replacing Pt for hydrogen generation.•DRIFT and TPD measurements revealed that Pt also modifies the surface acid-base properties of catalysts. Different TiO2 modified (with Pt, Cu2O, Nb) photocatalysts have been compared for the photo-reforming of glucose and fructose at ambient conditions with the aim of linking the photoactivity to some structural and surface characteristics. A different degree of conversion, distribution of intermediates and H2 production were observed with the various photocatalysts. Moreover, the results obtained with the same catalysts were slightly different with the two substrates, highlighting the importance of the interaction between the catalyst surface and the organic compound. Bare TiO2 was inactive towards H2 production, Cu2O was effective in replacing Pt for hydrogen generation, and the presence of Pt/Nb was beneficial for both H2 production and selective oxidation. Moreover, Pt not only works as a sink for the photoproduced electrons, as it is well known in the literature, but also modifies the surface acid-base properties of catalysts as revealed by DRIFT and TPD measurements.