Catalyst activated by light for steam methane reforming

A new catalyst activated by light could make steam methane reforming, a key industrial process, more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Steam methane reforming is a large-scale industrial process that involves reacting methane with steam to produce hydrogen, which is used to make a wide range of products, including ammonia, fertilizers, plastics, and fuels. This process, however, is energy-intensive and relies on high temperatures, which can lead to the formation of undesirable byproducts and greenhouse gases. The new catalyst, developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, could help to overcome these challenges. The catalyst is made of a metal-organic framework (MOF), a type of porous material, that is loaded with platinum nanoparticles. When exposed to light, the MOF undergoes a change in its electronic structure, which activates the platinum nanoparticles and makes them more efficient at catalyzing the steam methane reforming reaction.

The researchers found that the light-activated catalyst was able to achieve a higher conversion rate of methane to hydrogen than conventional catalysts, at a lower temperature. This could lead to significant energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, the researchers found that the light-activated catalyst was more resistant to deactivation than conventional catalysts. This means that it could last longer in industrial settings, reducing the need for frequent replacement and maintenance. The new catalyst is still in the early stages of development, but the researchers believe that it has the potential to revolutionize the steam methane reforming industry. By making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly, the catalyst could help to reduce the cost of hydrogen production and make it a more viable option for a variety of applications. The research was published in the journal Journal of the American Chemical Society.