Dynamic trapping of Co_0.1Ce_0.1Ni_0.8 by Ti₃C₂ MXene/g-C₃N₄ composite for efficient and ordered energy conversion in solar-driven methane dry reforming

In this study, g-C₃N₄/Ti₃C₂ MXene composite fabricated through covalent assembly is used as support material for dynamically trapping Co_0.1Ce_0.1Ni_0.8 trimetallic alloy (TA), with the goal of facilitating efficient interfacial reactions and ordered energy conversion for dry reforming of methane by photothermal coupling. By synergistically harnessing remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency of Ti₃C₂ MXene and the robust light absorption capacity of g-C₃N₄, the proposed composite catalyst demonstrates a notable enhancement in methane conversion. At 600 °C, a high and stable methane conversion of over 71 % can be achieved under the same conditions. Also, the generalized hydrogen production rates are remarkably higher than those for other existing studies in published literature for temperature ranging from 400 to 600 °C. Besides, the distinctive characteristics inherent in the dynamic photo-thermal-electric-chemical conversion process of methane reforming are uncovered, and herein, the concept of a tri-interface dual-transport operational mechanism is introduced. The present findings can constitute a valuable reference for the gentle and efficient operation of methane reforming processes, as well as the elaboration and optimization of photothermal catalytic systems.