Shining Light on Sustainable Chemistry: Strontium Titanate Catalysts for Glucose Transformation into Value-Added Products

Glucose, a main biomass component, has been extensively studied for the sustainable production of essential platform chemicals in industry, such as gluconic acid, arabinose, xylitol, etc. Among the glucose transformation methods, photocatalysis is an environmentally sustainable approach with immense promise for glucose transformation into value-added products due to its facile, efficient, and inexpensive process. In this work, we explore the application of strontium titanate (SrTiO₃) as a photocatalyst for glucose conversion, harnessing the power of UV-visible light to drive this intriguing reaction. The photocatalyst was synthesized through the hydrothermal method at 180^oC for 24 h. Its excellent optical properties have been investigated using a photoluminescence spectrophotometer, and its morphology using transmission electron microscopy. This photocatalytic strategy has initiated the oxidation of glucose into valuable chemical intermediates. This glucose transformation not only ensures glucose utilization as a renewable feedstock but also offers high selectivity to specific products such as arabinose, formic acid, and xylitol. Our research underscored the pivotal role of strontium titanate in advancing the field of photocatalytic glucose transformation, shedding light on the potential for a sustainable and energy-efficient future in chemical synthesis and renewable energy production.