High-value chemicals obtained from selective photo-oxidation of glucose in the presence of nanostructured titanium photocatalysts

Glucose was oxidized in the presence of powdered TiO2 photocatalysts synthesized by an ultrasound-promoted sol–gel method. The catalysts were more selective towards glucaric acid, gluconic acid and arabitol (total selectivity approx. 70%) than the most popular photocatalyst, Degussa P-25. The photocatalytic systems worked at mild reaction conditions: 30 °C, atmospheric pressure and very short reaction time (e.g. 5 min). Such relatively good selectivity towards high-valued molecules are attributed to the physico–chemical properties (e.g. high specific surface area, nanostructured anatase phase, and visible light absorption) of novel TiO2 materials and the reaction conditions. The TiO2 photocatalysts have potential for water purification and energy production and for use in the pharmaceutical, food, perfume and fuel industries.

► Good photoselectivity towards glucaric acid, gluconic acid and arabinitol from glucose solution.
► This is the first time of a photocatalytic selective conversion of glucose.
► Prepared photocatalysts have a high potential for water purification and energy production.
► Simplification of conventional multistep synthesis of valuable compounds to a one-pot photocatalytic reaction.
► Preparation of novel titania photocatalysts by a simple ultrasound-promoted sol–gel method.