VEGA 1/0319/23: Photoinduced hydrogen production from biomass using anodic nanostructures

Despite the significant number of reports published in the last 15 years regarding synthesis and applications ofTiO2 nanotube (TNT) layers prepared via anodization, only few publications can be found on the synthesis of:
• TNT layers with the surface area larger than a few cm2 and
• TNT layers in fluoride-free electrolytes that are less hazardous than electrolytes containing fluoride.

For effective and environmentally friendly H2 production, the abovementioned is necessary. The main motivation for this project is to significantly improve the state-of-art situation in the synthesis of large area TNT layers (la-TNT layers) in environmentally and economically friendly fluoride-free environment. The thus prepared la-TNT layers will be employed for H2 production by reforming biomass. The synthesis of la-TNT layers in fluoride-free electrolytes is highly challenging and falls within the forefront of TiO2 materials research and will bring the research on TNT layers to a new stage, i.e., their real applicability.