Rutile TiO2–Pd Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Gas Production from Methanol Reforming

Palladium/rutile TiO2 has been explored as a photocatalyst for hydrogen gas production from methanol photoreforming in the liquid and gas phase reactions, and it is compared with similar catalysts prepared on P25 titania. Rutile makes an excellent photoactive support when used for the gas phase reaction, but is not effective in the liquid phase. By exploring the effect of Pd loading on the rate of hydrogen production, an induction time is observed at high Pd content. Reduction of the catalysts prior to the reaction reduces Pd nanoparticles size and improves the catalyst activity. Investigation of the activity in the liquid phase and in the gas phase reveals that the amount of adsorbed methanol on the catalyst surface is crucial to enhance the interface charge carrier transfer that leads to high activity in the gas phase.