Constructing graphite-CeO2 interfaces to enhance the photothermal activity for solar-driven dry reforming of methane

This study developed graphite-CeO2 interfaces to enhance solar-driven photothermal catalytic DRM. Compared with carbon nanotubes-modified CeO2 (CeO2-CNT), graphite-modified CeO2 (CeO2-GRA) constructed graphite-CeO2 interfaces with distortion in CeO2, leading to the formation abundant oxygen vacancies.

These graphite-CeO2 interfaces with oxygen vacancies enhanced optical absorption and promoted the generation and separation of photogenerated carriers. The high endothermic capacity of graphite elevated the catalyst surface temperature from 592.1 ℃ to 691.3 ℃, boosting light-to-thermal conversion. The synergy between photogenerated carriers and localized heat enabled Ni/CeO2-GRA to achieve a CO production rate of 9985.6 mmol gcat.-1 h-1 (vs. 7192.4 for Ni/ CeO2) and a light-to-fuel efficiency of 21.8 % (vs. 13.8 % for Ni/ CeO2).