Deep insight of the influence of Pt loading content with catalytic activity on light-assisted dry reforming of methane

The photo-thermal-chemical transformation route that drives dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction is a promising approach to fix solar energy into chemical energy. In this paper, by combining in situ DRIFTS experiments, the function of light was discovered, including enhancement in the catalysts' ability to activate reactant molecules, especially for the dissociation of CH₄. In addition, the mechanism of DRM reaction is further ascertained. The rate-determining steps (RDS) of the reaction were confirmed to be CH₄ dissociation and carbonate conversion steps, and increasing the Pt content to change the structure of catalysts might change the RDS from the above two RDS to CH₄ dissociation and adsorption of CO₂, so that affecting the characteristics of the reaction (the catalytic performance and stability). Hence, it possessed important theoretical and practical significance for the optimization of catalyst structure and the selection of optimal active component content to reduce the cost of industrialization.