H2 production by cellulose photoreforming with TiO2-Cu photocatalysts bearing different Cu species

TiO 2 -Cu photocatalysts (1 wt% Cu) containing different copper species have been prepared and used for the generation of hydrogen by photoreforming cellulose (the major component biomass) in water at room temperature using UV light. A positive effect has clearly observed, analysis role Cu present shows that a mixture Cu(I) Cu(II) favors process. Among photocatalysts, one simple impregnation method not heat-treated, which small well dispersed particles, gives highest production. • with strongly improves activity to generate H activation heat-treated samples seems occur upon catalytic use The easily prepared, heat treated, show production surpasses 730 µmol·h ?1 ·g cat most active photocatalyst