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Solar-driven reforming of lignocellulose to H2 with a CdS/CdOx photocatalyst

Author

Listed:
  • David W. Wakerley

    (Christian Doppler Laboratory for Sustainable SynGas Chemistry, University of Cambridge)

  • Moritz F. Kuehnel

    (Christian Doppler Laboratory for Sustainable SynGas Chemistry, University of Cambridge)

  • Katherine L. Orchard

    (Christian Doppler Laboratory for Sustainable SynGas Chemistry, University of Cambridge)

  • Khoa H. Ly

    (Christian Doppler Laboratory for Sustainable SynGas Chemistry, University of Cambridge)

  • Timothy E. Rosser

    (Christian Doppler Laboratory for Sustainable SynGas Chemistry, University of Cambridge)

  • Erwin Reisner

    (Christian Doppler Laboratory for Sustainable SynGas Chemistry, University of Cambridge)

Abstract

Lignocellulose is Earth’s most abundant form of biomass and its valorization to H2 is a key objective for the generation of renewable fuels. Solar-driven photocatalytic reforming of lignocellulose to H2 at ambient temperature offers a sustainable route towards this goal, but this reaction is currently limited to noble-metal-containing systems that operate with low activity under ultraviolet light. Here, we report the light-driven photoreforming of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin to H2 using semiconducting cadmium sulfide quantum dots in alkaline aqueous solution. We show that basic conditions cause these dots to become coated with oxide/hydroxide in situ, presenting a strategy to improve their photocatalytic performance. The system operates under visible light, is stable beyond six days and is even able to reform unprocessed lignocellulose, such as wood and paper, under solar irradiation at room temperature, presenting an inexpensive route to drive aqueous proton reduction to H2 through waste biomass oxidation.

Suggested Citation

  • David W. Wakerley & Moritz F. Kuehnel & Katherine L. Orchard & Khoa H. Ly & Timothy E. Rosser & Erwin Reisner, 2017. "Solar-driven reforming of lignocellulose to H2 with a CdS/CdOx photocatalyst," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 2(4), pages 1-9, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:2:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1038_nenergy.2017.21
    DOI: 10.1038/nenergy.2017.21
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    Cited by:

    1. Lakhera, Sandeep Kumar & Rajan, Aswathy & T.P., Rugma & Bernaurdshaw, Neppolian, 2021. "A review on particulate photocatalytic hydrogen production system: Progress made in achieving high energy conversion efficiency and key challenges ahead," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    2. Nwosu, Ugochukwu & Wang, Aiguo & Palma, Bruna & Zhao, Heng & Khan, Mohd Adnan & Kibria, Md & Hu, Jinguang, 2021. "Selective biomass photoreforming for valuable chemicals and fuels: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    3. Jie Ye & Chao Wang & Chao Gao & Tao Fu & Chaohui Yang & Guoping Ren & Jian Lü & Shungui Zhou & Yujie Xiong, 2022. "Solar-driven methanogenesis with ultrahigh selectivity by turning down H2 production at biotic-abiotic interface," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    4. Jhuma Sadhukhan & Bruno G. Pollet & Miles Seaman, 2022. "Hydrogen Production and Storage: Analysing Integration of Photoelectrolysis, Electron Harvesting Lignocellulose, and Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide-Fixing Biosynthesis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-13, July.

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