Title: The photoreaction of TiO₂ and Au/TiO₂ single crystal and powder with organic adsorbates

Authors: M.A. Nadeem; K.A. Connelly; H. Idriss

Addresses: Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. ' Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK. ' Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

Abstract: The review deals with the principles of photoreactions over TiO₂ with emphasis on both single crystals and nano particles. The main fundamental reactions of prototype organic compounds are given and analysed. Hydrogen production from alcohols as an example of sustainable production of energy carriers is also presented and discussed. After an overview of the principles of adsorption and reaction of ethanol (as an example of bio-fuel) over TiO₂ single crystals the focus is on production of hydrogen over TiO₂ nano-particles in presence of transition metals. A comparison of the merit of a series of transition metals with respect to their activity in electron capture from the conduction band and subsequent transfer during hydrogen photo-production is also given. The review ends by giving two main examples of the effect of Au/TiO₂ and Pd/TiO₂ for the production of hydrogen from linear alcohols.

Keywords: organic adsorbates; ethanol; photoreaction; titanium dioxide; TiO2 single crystals; Au/TiO2 powders; gold; transition metals; hydrogen generation; electron transfer; nanoparticles; nanotechnology; biofuels; hydrogen production; sustainable energy; linear alcohols.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2012.044833

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2012 Vol.9 No.1/2, pp.121 - 162

Published online: 09 Jan 2012 *

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