Solar production of hydrogen using "self-assembled" polyoxometalate photocatalysts

    Authors

    N. Muradov;A. T-Raissi

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Sol. Energy Eng. Trans.-ASME

    Keywords

    Energy & Fuels; Engineering, Mechanical

    Abstract

    The near-term and cost-effective production of solar hydrogen from inexpensive and readily available hydrogen containing compounds (HCCs) can boost the prospects of future hydrogen economy. In this paper we assess the prospects of the solar-assisted conversion of HCCs into hydrogen using polyoxometalate (POM) based photocatalysts, such as isopolytungstates (IPT) and silicotungstic acid (STA). Upon exposure to solar photons, IPT aqueous solutions containing various HCCs (e.g., alcohols, alkanes, organic acids, sugars, etc.) produce hydrogen gas and corresponding oxygenated compounds. The presence of small amounts of colloidal platinum increases the rate of hydrogen evolution by one order of magnitude. A solar photocatalytic flat-bed reactor approximately 1.2 in x 1.2 m in size, was fabricated and tested for the production of hydrogen from water-alcohol solutions containing IPT and STA and small amounts of colloidal Pt. The solar photoreactor tests demonstrated steady-state production of hydrogen gas for several days. IPT immobilized on granules of anion exchange resins with quaternary ammonium active groups show good photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from water-alcohol solutions exposed to near-UV or solar radiation.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Solar Energy Engineering-Transactions of the Asme

    Volume

    128

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2006

    Document Type

    Article; Proceedings Paper

    Language

    English

    First Page

    326

    Last Page

    330

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000239710100008

    ISSN

    0199-6231

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