PHOTOCATALYTIC HYDROGEN PRODUCTION USING CLINOPTILOLITE-SUPPORTED, EOSIN Y-SENSITIZED TIO2 FOR WATER SPLITTING

Abstract

This research aims to explore the possibility of producing hydrogen as an alternative fuel source through photocatalytic water splitting. It also seeks to synthesize a clinoptilolite-supported, Eosin Ysensitized photocatalyst and test its activity in producing hydrogen in the visible light region. The catalyst was prepared by hydrothermal method and was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis and x-ray diffraction. Characterization showed similarities of the catalyst with those presented in literature. The catalyst was sensitized by suspending it in a diethanolamine-water solution where the Eosin Y was dissolved. This suspension was analyzed using UV-vis spectroscopy and was found to exhibit absorbance in the visible light region.

The Kubelka-Munk equation was used to determine the average band gap with a value of 2.76 eV, implying that the water splitting reaction may be successfully carried out using the catalyst. However, the gas chromatograph did not detect hydrogen under irradiation using a halogen lamp, but a positive response was obtained from a sample exposed to sunlight. For future studies, the researchers recommended improving the photocatalytic reactor setup and hydrogen collection method to achieve minimal product loss and generate more accurate results.