Comparison of photocatalytic performances of solar-driven hybrid catalysts for hydrogen energy evolution from 1,8–Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) solution

Abstract

Hydrogen is evolved from 1,8–Diazabicyclo [5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) model solution which is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic organic compound using different solar-driven hybrid photocatalysts. A characterization study is performed and the results of PL analysis show that the most promising solar-driven hybrid catalyst is graphene supported LaFeO3. Then, an experimental design matrix is built using the Box Behnken model to main and interaction effects of reaction parameters (pH, catalyst loading, and [H2O2]0). Based on the experimental results relatively higher hydrogen amounts are achieved using GLFO and this finding is supported by PL analysis. The highest hydrogen amount and DBU removal are determined as 3058.31 μmol/gcat and 90.3%, respectively. Statistical analysis shows that the square of catalyst loading is the only effective parameter over the produced hydrogen amount from the DBU model solution using GLFO and the R2 of model is 92.47%. Thus, hydrogen production and wastewater treatment could be achieved via photocatalytic oxidation as concomitant.