Enhanced hybrid photocatalytic dry reforming using a phosphated Ni-CeO2 nanorod heterostructure

Alexandra Tavasoli, Abdelaziz Gouda, Till Zähringer, Young Feng Li, Humayra Quaid, Camilo J. Viasus Perez, Rui Song, Mohini Sain and Geoffrey Ozin ()
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Alexandra Tavasoli: University of Toronto
Abdelaziz Gouda: University of Toronto
Till Zähringer: University of Toronto
Young Feng Li: University of Toronto
Humayra Quaid: University of Toronto
Camilo J. Viasus Perez: University of Toronto
Rui Song: University of Toronto
Mohini Sain: University of Toronto
Geoffrey Ozin: University of Toronto

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Operating the dry reforming reaction photocatalytically presents an opportunity to produce commodity chemicals from two greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane, however, the top-performing photocatalysts presented in the academic literature invariably rely on the use of precious metals. In this work, we demonstrate enhanced photocatalytic dry reforming performance through surface basicity modulation of a Ni-CeO2 photocatalyst by selectively phosphating the surface of the CeO2 nanorod support. An optimum phosphate content is observed, which leads to little photoactivity loss and carbon deposition over a 50-hour reaction period. The enhanced activity is attributed to the Lewis basic properties of the PO43− groups which improve CO2 adsorption and facilitate the formation of small nickel metal clusters on the support surface, as well as the mechanical stability of CePO4. A hybrid photochemical-photothermal reaction mechanism is demonstrated by analyzing the wavelength-dependent photocatalytic activities. The activities, turnover numbers, quantum efficiencies, and energy efficiencies are shown to be on par with other dry-reforming photocatalysts that use noble metals, representing a step forward in understanding how to stabilize ignoble nickel-based dry reforming photocatalysts. The challenges associated with comparing the performance of photocatalysts reported in the academic literature are also commented on.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36982-3

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