Synergy and site dependent kinetics of photo-thermal catalysis over Pt/TiO2 for methanol decomposition

Abstract

Photo-thermal catalysis which interplay the heat and light-induced effects have drawn broad attention owing to their synergistic effect to extend the capability of chemical transformation. Here, the effect of heat and/or light on methanol decomposition has been clarified. On Pt/TiO₂, light irradiation activates the TiO₂ and enhance the absorption and the oxidation of intermediates. The main intermediate under PTC condition is formaldehyde, which is the same to TC condition rather than methyl formate under PC condition. Differences CO absorption site correlates with the key intermediates under PC and TC/PTC conditions. Light and heat display their strengths in a synergistic manner, optimizing the activity to promote efficient catalytic processes which is verified to be photo-assisted thermal catalysis. This work offers detailed mechanistic understanding of the surface species and paves the way for an educated microkinetic modeling approach under photo and/or thermal condition over oxide-supported metal catalysts.