Work

Spectrally-Resolved Synergy in Photothermal Catalysis: A Temperature-regulated Transition of Hot-electron Transfer for Methanol Steam Reforming

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Photothermal catalysis promises to convert solar energy into fuels with the assistance of thermal energy, yet the synergy between light and heat remains poorly understood. Here, this work deconstructs this synergy in methanol steam reforming over Pt/TiO 2 . The catalyst achieves an H 2 production rate of 688 mmol g –1 h –1 under UV/visible coupled illumination, driven by a nonlinear Arrhenius behavior. Spectral decoupling reveals a distinct wavelength-dependent thermal response under different temperatures. The UV band gap excitation of TiO 2, although accelerating the generation of formaldehyde, remains kinetically limited by its accumulation; in contrast, visible metal interband excitation on Pt induces hot-electron injection to generate sufficient driving force to accelerate formaldehyde dissociation (>170 °C). Strong excitation (405 nm) generates sufficient driving force, whereas weak excitation (450 nm) fails to fully overcome the energy threshold required to overcome this kinetic trap. These findings propose a thermodynamic regulation model that selectively amplifies hot-electron channels, establishing a strategy to rationally harness the solar spectrum.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.6c05080

Authors: Lifeng Xu, Chenghao Yao, Rui Lang, Lei Li, Zhan Lin

Institutions: Zhejiang University, Guangdong University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Catalysts for Methane Reforming

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935