Biomass-Derived Carbon-doped Strontium Titanate Perovskite Photocatalysts and Their Photocatalytic Conversions Glucose to Value-Added Chemicals

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and green chemical production has intensified
research into advanced materials with enhanced photocatalytic capabilities. Among these materials,
strontium titanate as a perovskite-based semiconductor has garnered significant attention due to its
exceptional stability, non-toxicity, and strong photocatalytic potential. However, its practical application is
often hindered by limitations such as a narrow light absorption range and rapid electron-hole recombination.
To address these challenges, innovative strategies are required to enhance the properties of SrTiO3. One
promising approach is the doping of SrTiO3 with carbon derived from biomass. Biomass, an abundant and
renewable resource, offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective carbon source. This method utilizes waste
materials and aligns with the principles of green chemistry and sustainability. Carbon doping can modify the
electronic structure of SrTiO3, extending its light absorption into the visible spectrum and improving charge
separation efficiency. These modifications can significantly enhance the photocatalytic performance of
SrTiO3, making it a more effective catalyst for various applications, including the conversion of biomass derived compounds. Glucose, a simple sugar abundantly available from biomass, serves as an excellent
model compound for studying photocatalytic conversion processes into high-value chemicals such as
gluconic acid, arabinose, xylitol, etc [1]. Efficient conversion of glucose into valuable chemicals under light
irradiation could pave the way for sustainable production methods that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and
mitigate environmental impact. It is facile, efficient, and inexpensive [2]. This study investigates the effects
of biomass-derived carbon doping on the properties of SrTiO3 and its efficiency in photocatalytic glucose
conversion. By integrating carbon into the SrTiO3 lattice, we aim to enhance its photocatalytic activity and
explore its potential to transform glucose into high-value chemicals. Through comprehensive material
characterization and photocatalytic performance evaluation, we seek to advance the understanding of carbon doping mechanisms and contribute to developing advanced, eco-friendly photocatalysts. In summary, this research underscores the benefits of enhancing photocatalyst properties and promoting sustainable resource utilization. By leveraging biomass-derived carbon doping, we aim to unlock new potentials in photocatalytic processes, ultimately contributing to the advancement of clean energy technologies and green chemical synthesis.