Vinasse photoreforming for hydrogen production using Pt/TiO₂ as catalyst under UV irradiation

Author(s)

Silvaino, Patricia Ferreira ; Ferreira, Joao Coutinho ; Carminati, Saulo Amaral ; Vaz, Jorge Moreira ; Spinace, Estevam Vitorio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: RSC ADVANCES; v. 15, n. 8, p. 6-pg., 2025-02-19.

Abstract

Vinasse, a dark-colored aqueous byproduct of bioethanol production, contains a variety of organic compounds and inorganic salt ions. In this study, the photoreforming of vinasse was investigated using Pt/TiO2 as a catalyst under UV irradiation. The gaseous products generated were analyzed, revealing the formation of hydrogen (H2) along with other gases, including CO2, CH4, CO, C2H6, C2H4, C3H8, and C4H10. When using filtered vinasse, H2 and other gaseous products were produced solely through photolysis, even in the presence of the Pt/TiO2 photocatalyst. Notably, photocatalytic H2 production was observed when inorganic salt ions were removed from the vinasse, and a lower concentration of vinasse was employed in the reaction medium. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/01896-4 - Development of doped-TiO2/WO3 photocatalysts for methane conversion into value-added chemicals coupled with hydrogen evolution from water
• Grantee: Saulo do Amaral Carminati
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral