The Nature of Active Sites for Plasmon‐Mediated Photothermal Catalysis and Heat‐Coupled Photocatalysis in Dry Reforming of Methane

Solar energy-induced catalysis has been attracting intensive interests and its quantum efficiencies in plasmon-mediated photothermal (P-photothermal catalysis) external heat-coupled photocatalysis (E-photothermal are ultimately determined by the catalyst structure for photo-induced energetic hot carriers. Herein, different catalysts of supported (TiO2-P25 Al2O3) platinum dots employed photo, thermal, catalytic dry reforming methane. Integrated experimental computational results unveil active sites (hot zones) on two catalysis. The zones P-photothermal identified to be metal–support interface Pt/P25 Pt surface Pt/Al2O3, respectively. However, a change site is first time observed E-photothermal (external heating temperature 700 °C). contribute significant enhancements reactivity against thermocatalysis. This study helps understand reaction mechanism exploit efficient solar energy utilization fossil fuels upgrading.