Hydrogen production under visible light by photocatalytic reforming of glucose over an oxide solid solution photocatalyst

Hydrogen production under visible light by photocatalytic reforming of glucose over an oxide solid solution photocatalyst Bi_xY _{1 - x}VO₄ (BYV) was demonstrated for the first time. It was found that a certain amount of Y doping would promote the transition of BiVO₄ from monoclinic to tetragonal phase and finally lead to the formation of tetragonal BYV solid solution. BYV with a B/Y ratio of 1:1 showed the highest activity for hydrogen production. The amount of photoproduced hydrogen lowered after several hours of reaction. However, when the gas product was replaced with N₂ atmosphere, hydrogen production recovered. It is supposed that the generated CO₂ might participate in the redox reaction and in some way inhibit the hydrogen production. Therefore, for photocatalytic reforming of glucose, removal of gas product in time is indispensable.