Abstract
The conversion of biomass derivatives into fuels and valuable compounds under green conditions is increasingly attracting the attention of the scientific community. In this study, the photo-reforming of aqueous glucose and fructose solutions in the presence of 0.5 wt% Pt-loaded homemade bare and Nb2O5-TiO2 catalysts was investigated to maximize the activity of titania for both hydrogen production and valuable chemical production. The most efficient sample was the home-prepared Pt-4 %Nb2O5-HP, for both glucose and fructose conversion, with the highest H2 productivity and the highest selectivity towards partially oxidized compounds. The behaviour of the Pt-4 %Nb2O5-HP derives from a favourable compromise of some surface and intrinsic electronic properties as, for instance, photoluminescence, zeta potential and surface acidity. The presence of Nb2O5 decreased the recombination rate of photoproduced charges. Photo-deposition of Pt was essential for H2 production and, surprisingly, also increased the basicity of the TiO2 surface; an increase in surface acidity was measured when only niobium oxide was added, whereas stronger basic sites were observed in the simultaneous presence of Pt and niobium oxide.
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