Photocatalytic reaction of water with carbon over platinized titania

The reaction of gas phase water with active carbon over illuminated, platinized TiO2 (anatase powder) is studied at room temperature and 60 C. The products are H2, CO2 and a small amount of O2. As the reaction proceeds, the rate declines due to the accumulation of H2 and the loss of a good contact between the catalyst and carbon. When the reaction is carried out in liquid H2O, the oxidation of carbon is inhibited and O2 as well as H2 evolves. (Author)