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

TiO2-Cu photocatalysts (1 wt% Cu) containing different copper species have been prepared and used for the generation of hydrogen by photoreforming of cellulose (the major component of biomass) in water at room temperature using UV light. A positive effect of copper has been clearly observed, and the analysis of the role of the Cu species present shows that a mixture of Cu(I) and Cu(II) favors the process. Among the TiO2-Cu photo-catalysts, the one prepared by a simple impregnation method and not heat-treated, which shows small and well dispersed copper species particles, gives the highest hydrogen production.