H₂ Production by Renewables Photoreforming on Pt–Au/TiO₂ Catalysts Activated by Reduction

Bimetallic Pt-Au nanoparticles supported on reduced anatase nanocrystals represent a new class of promising photocatalysts with high activity in hydrogen production by photoreforming of aqueous solution of renewable feedstock, such as ethanol and glycerol. The catalysts are easily obtained by metal impregnation of commercial TiO₂, followed by a reductive treatment. Remarkably, deeper catalyst pre-reduction results in enhanced photoactivity. When ethanol is used as sacrificial agent, under both UV-A or simulated sunlight irradiation, H₂ is the most abundant product in the gas stream whereas, in the case of glycerol, significant amounts of CO₂ have also been detected, indicating a more efficient oxidation of the organic sacrificial agent. The presence of bimetallic Pt-Au nanoparticles and of Ti³⁺ sites/O²⁻ vacancies in the bulk structure of titania are two key parameters to maximize light absorption and feedstock activation, finally resulting in good photocatalytic performances.