H2 Production with Low CO Selectivity from Photocatalytic Reforming of Glucose on Ni/TiO2-SiO2

Abstract

Nano-sized Ni particles on TiO2-SiO2 were synthesized by the two methods of photo-assisted deposition (PAD) and impregnation. H2, which is a promising energy carrier, with a low CO concentration was produced by the photocatalytic reforming of glucose (a model biomass) on the Ni/TiO2-SiO2 catalyst. The supported Ni enhanced the rate of H2 production while it suppressed CO selectivity. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption fine structure, transmission electron microscope, and nitrogen adsorption analysis. Both H2 production and CO selectivity were strongly dependent on the preparation method, and PAD-Ni/TiO2-SiO2 was the better catalyst for H2 production with the lowest CO concentration.