Photocatalytic production of hydrogen from biomass-derived feedstocks

• Production of H2 by photocatalytic reforming (photoreforming) of oxygenated substrates is a feasible technology.
• Semiconductor-based materials including noble or Earth-abundant metal co-catalysts exhibit high activities.
• A range of biomass-derived substances and feedstocks can be employed as substrates for photoreforming.
• This technology can be developed to valorise biomass-derived by-products or waste streams.
• Sunlight energy utilisation by photoreforming is highly efficient.

The application of photocatalysis for the utilisation of sunlight energy is intensely investigated in present times, particularly in prospect of generating solar fuels by hydrogen production or CO2 reduction processes as tools for societies aiming to relief their thirst for fossil resources. From the perspective of sustainability, the rational use of biomass-derived feedstocks for photocatalytic H2 production is a feasible, proven and highly efficient process. In this review, in addition to delving into physico-chemical fundamentals of photocatalytic processes on semiconductors, the research activity on this topic related to the design of revolutionary semiconductor-based materials, generally including metallic nanoparticles or complexes as hydrogen-evolving co-catalysts, is outlined and critically evaluated. Moreover, the use of sunlight and renewable feedstocks for the generation of hydrogen, as a compelling opportunity for the energy sector, is emphasised. Special focus is also set on the valorisation of biorefinery products, agricultural residues and industrial or municipal waste.

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