The photoreaction of TiO2 and Au/TiO2 single crystal and powder with organic adsorbates

The review deals with the principles of photoreactions over TiO2 with emphasis on both single crystals and nano particles. The main fundamental reactions of prototype organic compounds are given and analysed. Hydrogen production from alcohols as an example of sustainable production of energy carriers is also presented and discussed. After an overview of the principles of adsorption and reaction of ethanol (as an example of bio-fuel) over TiO2 single crystals the focus is on production of hydrogen over TiO2 nano-particles in presence of transition metals. A comparison of the merit of a series of transition metals with respect to their activity in electron capture from the conduction band and subsequent transfer during hydrogen photo-production is also given. The review ends by giving two main examples of the effect of Au/TiO2 and Pd/TiO2 for the production of hydrogen from linear alcohols.