Influence of the strong metal support interaction effect (SMSI) of Pt/TiO2 and Pd/TiO2 systems in the photocatalytic biohydrogen production from glucose solution

Two different catalysts consisting of Pt/TiO2 and Pd/TiO2 were submitted to diverse oxidative and reductive calcination treatments and tested for photocatalytic reforming of glucose water solution (as a model of biomass component) in H2 production. Oxidation and reduction at 850 °C resulted in better photocatalysts for hydrogen production than Degussa P-25 and the ones prepared at 500 °C, despite the fact that the former consisted in very low surface area (6–8 m2/g) rutile titania specimens. The platinum-containing systems prepared at 850 °C give the most effective catalysts. XPS characterization of the systems showed that thermal treatment at 850 °C resulted in electron transfer from titania to metal particles through the so-called strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) effect. Furthermore, the greater the SMSI effect, the better the catalytic performance. Improvement in photocatalytic behavior is explained in terms of avoidance of electron–hole recombination through the electron transfer from titania to metal particles.

A new route for the synthesis of metal-doped titania photocatalysts by choosing the appropriate calcinations redox treatment with the aim of obtaining better catalysts for the photocatalytic reforming of glucose (as a model component of biomass) to hydrogen with simultaneous water purification from organic waste. Results are discussed in terms of generation of oxygen vacancies in titania structure and especially the so-called strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) which avoids electron–hole recombination.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Preparation of metal-containing titania photocatalysts by a simple redox treatment.
► Effective photocatalytic reforming of glucose to hydrogen.
► High activity due to the strong metal support interaction effect and oxygen vacancies.
► Photocatalysis for simultaneously water purification and energy production.