Abstract
Nano-sized Ni particles on TiO2-SiO2 were synthesized by the two methods of photo-assisted deposition (PAD) and impregnation. 1-12, which is a promising energy carrier, with a low CO concentration was produced by the photocatalytic reforming of glucose (a model biomass) on the Ni/TiO2-SiO2 catalyst. The supported Ni enhanced the rate of H-2 production while it suppressed CO selectivity. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption fine structure, transmission electron microscope, and nitrogen adsorption analysis. Both H-2 production and CO selectivity were strongly dependent on the preparation method, and PAD-Ni/TiO2-SiO2 was the better catalyst for H-2 production with the lowest CO concentration.