The transformation of lignocellulosic biomass, an abundant, renewable, and underutilized resource, into energy-relevant molecules is a key objective in the pursuit of a sustainable energy transition. Among the promising routes, hydrogen emerges as a clean energy carrier with strong potential. Yet, most current hydrogen is still produced via fossil-fuel-based reforming, emitting CO₂ and requiring high energy input (~60 MJ/kg H₂), thus limiting its environmental benefits.

To overcome these challenges, research has turned toward catalytic hydrogen production involving water. However, water electrolysis remains energy-intensive (~50–55 MJ/kg) and economically uncompetitive. Integrating solar energy into hydrogen production is a promising strategy. Since the pioneering work of Fujishima and Honda using TiO₂ [1], solar-assisted water splitting has been extensively studied. Nevertheless, its widespread application remains constrained by the UV absorption limitation of most semiconductors and the sluggish kinetics of the four-electron water oxidation process, which suffers from fast charge recombination. These limitations can be alleviated through the use of sacrificial electron donors.

Carbohydrates, constituting 70–85% of plant biomass as cellulose and hemicellulose, are abundant and renewable substrates. Many saccharide-rich by-products from agro-industries remain unvalorized and represent promising feedstocks. We have previously demonstrated that mono- and oligosaccharides can serve as efficient sacrificial agents for photocatalytic hydrogen production using Au/SC materials under simulated solar illumination [2]. Their oxidation not only accelerates charge separation but also enables theoretical yields up to 12 mol H₂ per mole of glucose, surpassing conventional methane reforming. Moreover, this photocatalytic transformation of sugars can concurrently generate bio-based platform chemicals of high interest for various sectors such as cosmetics, detergents, and pharmaceuticals, thereby enhancing the overall economic and environmental value of the process.

In this work, we present the synthesis, structural and electronic characterization of Au/SC photocatalysts, and their performance in photo-reforming various carbohydrate substrates. The impact of key parameters (pH, substrate concentration, light intensity, catalyst composition) on H₂ evolution will be discussed. Finally, a mechanistic proposal based on experimental insights will be outlined, shedding light on the interplay between photocatalyst properties and reaction pathways.