Photoreforming of organics to obtain H2 in the presence of TiO2 or Nb2O5-Carbon composite photocatalysts

Abstract

The production of H2 by photoreforming integrates the photocatalytic water splitting with the oxidation of organic molecules into a single process. In the photorefroming rocess a semiconductor, excited by suitable energy, generates electron/hole pairs allowing redox reactions. H2 is obtained by the reduction of protons whereas an organic molecule acts as a hole scavenger. Nb2O5 is an excellent photocatalyst with activity similar to that of TiO2, the most active photocatalyst. Various strategies to enhance H2 production have been explored, including the combination of semiconductors with carbon materials.