Solar enhanced photothermal synergies regulate the reaction path towards efficient dry reforming of methane on RuO2/CeO2

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) has emerged as an efficient approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while producing key industrial feedstocks. However, the industrial deployment of DRM has been impeded by severe challenges in conventional thermal catalysis, particularly carbon deposition and competing side reactions. Herein, we report 1.0 % RuO 2 /CeO 2 as a highly effective anti-coke catalyst that achieves remarkable yields of H 2 (∼292.3 mmolg cat −1 h −1 ) and CO (∼350.4 mmolg cat −1 h −1 ). This catalyst shows stable performance over 100 h under simulated solar irradiation at 650 °C with negligible carbon deposition. Notably, the integration of photothermal synergistic catalysis not only lowers the operating temperature required for CO 2 and CH 4 conversion but also suppresses competing side reactions, resulting in a ∼40 % higher syngas yield compared to pure thermal conditions. The integration of in situ infrared spectroscopic analysis with theoretical modeling demonstrates that photothermal synergy enhances the activation of CH 4 identified as the rate-limiting step, as well as the selective oxidation of the CH 3 * intermediate to CH 3 O* without the formation of coke. This synergetic effect is believed to be responsible for the catalyst's excellent stability over extended operation. This study provides new ideas for the industrial utilization of carbon resources at high value.