Formation of Combustible Hydrocarbons and H₂ during Photocatalytic Decomposition of Various Organic Compounds under Aerated and Deaerated Conditions

摘要

A possibility of photocatalytic production of useful aliphatic hydrocarbons and H₂ from various organic compounds, including acetic acid, methanol, ethanol and glucose, over Fe-modified TiO₂ is discussed. In particular, the influence of the reaction atmosphere (N₂, air) was investigated. Different gases were identified in the headspace volume of the reactor depending on the substrate. In general, the evolution of the gases was more effective in air compared to a N₂ atmosphere. In the presence of air, the gaseous phase contained CO₂, CH₄ and H₂, regardless of the substrate used. Moreover, formation of C₂H₆ and C₃H₈ in the case of acetic acid and C₂H₆ in the case of ethanol was observed. In case of acetic acid and methanol an increase in H₂ evolution under aerated conditions was observed. It was concluded that the photocatalytic decomposition of organic compounds with simultaneous generation of combustible hydrocarbons and hydrogen could be a promising method of “green energy” production.