Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with simultaneous photocatalytic reforming of biomass by Er3+:YAlO3/Pt-TiO2 membranes under visible light driving

A photocatalyst capable of responding to visible light, Er3+:YAlO3/Pt-TiO2 membrane, was synthesized via sol-gel dip-coating method by using glass substrates as a supporter. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were performed to reveal the crystallinity, surface morphology and chemical composition of Er3+:YAlO3/Pt-TiO2 membranes. The photocatalysis capability of Er3+:YAlO3/Pt-TiO2 membrane was measured through the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with simultaneous photocatalytic reforming of biomass under simulated visible light irradiation. In addition, mass ratio, heat-treated temperature and initial solution pH as principal influence factors on the photocatalysis capability of Er3+:YAlO3/Pt-TiO2 membranes were studied. The reused times was also investigated. It was found that the hydrogen generation and glucose degradation could be carried out simultaneously in the same system and the Er3+:YAlO3/Pt-TiO2 membrane exhibited a much better visible light photocatalytic activity than pure Pt-TiO2 membrane. Furthermore, the membranes are recyclable. Therefore, these novel composite membrane photocatalysts will have wide applications for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with simultaneous wastewater treatment on practical application.