Selective Photocatalytic Conversion of Cellulose into Useful Feedstocks

光催化通常被认为是用于太阳能驱动的过程，如分解水或生产太阳能燃料；然而，光催化也可以有效地应用于污染物的分解或从生物质中生产有用的产品。纤维素是地球上含量最丰富的生物大分子，由葡萄糖分子的线性聚合物组成。由于其高丰度和可获得性，纤维素可能成为贵重化学品和可持续液体燃料的重要来源。然而，由于其稳定性，纤维素的转化仍然是一个巨大的挑战。在这个项目中，我们试图进一步探索纤维素的转化，以充分了解潜在的化学和物理过程，从而开发更高效和有效的光催化过程。主要任务将涉及以下方面：1.重复初步研究，获得对pH依赖性的更详细的分析，并将其与Zeta电位表面化学研究联系起来。为更详细的研究开发光催化测试池。3.对甲醛、氢和糖等小分子进行全面的产品分析。为最有用的原料生产优化产品分销5。研究替代光催化剂，寻求更好地利用较低禁带材料的太阳光谱

Photocatalysis is typically considered for solar driven processes such as water splitting or solar fuels production; however, photocatalysis can also usefully be applied to the decomposition of pollutants or to produce useful products from biomass. Cellulose is the most abundant biological macromolecule on earth and is made up of linear polymers of glucose molecules. Due to its high abundance and availability, cellulose could be a crucial source for valuable chemicals and sustainable liquid fuel. As a consequence of its stability, however, the conversion of cellulose remains a significant challenge.In this project we seek to further explore the conversion of cellulose to develop a full understanding of the underlying chemical and physical processes and hence to develop more efficient and effective photocatalytic processes. The main tasks will relate to the following:1. To replicate preliminary studies and obtain more detailed analysis of the dependence upon pH and relate this to zeta potential surface chemistry studies2. To develop the photocatalytic test cell for more detailed studies. 3. To perform a full product analysis focusing upon small molecules such as formaldehyde, hydrogen as well as saccharides.4. To optimise product distribution for most useful feedstock production5. To investigate alternative photocatalysts seeking better utilisation of the solar spectrum with lower bandgap materials