Effect of epimerization of d-glucose on photocatalytic hydrogen generation over Pt/TiO2

Effects of alpha-D- and beta-D-glucose as electron donors on photocatalytic hydrogen generation over Pt/TiO2 have been investigated, alpha-D-Glucose exhibits better photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution than beta-D-glucose. The effects of initial pH of the anomer solutions on photocatalytic hydrogen generation have also been studied. Weak basic condition is favorable for the photocatalytic hydrogen generation. There is a large activity difference between alpha-D- and beta-D-glucose under neutral condition, while the difference is very small under basic and acidic conditions. The possible mechanism was discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.