Rice researchers develop catalyst that could render SMR for hydrogen production emissions-free; plasmonic photocatalysis

HOUSTON – (Nov. 17, 2022) –

Rice University researchers have developed a catalyst that could make hydrogen production from steam methane reforming (SMR) emissions-free. The catalyst uses plasmonic photocatalysis to convert methane and water into hydrogen and carbon dioxide at low temperatures.

SMR is a widely used method for producing hydrogen, but it is also a major source of carbon dioxide emissions. The new catalyst could help to decarbonize hydrogen production and make it a more sustainable source of energy.

The catalyst is made of gold nanoparticles supported on a titanium dioxide substrate. The gold nanoparticles are plasmonic, which means that they can absorb light and convert it into heat. This heat can then be used to drive the SMR reaction.

The researchers tested the catalyst in a reactor and found that it could convert methane and water into hydrogen and carbon dioxide at low temperatures (less than 500 degrees Celsius). The catalyst was also stable and showed no signs of deactivation after several hours of operation.

The findings are published in the journal Nature Energy.

“This is a significant advance in the development of emissions-free hydrogen production,” said study lead author Qiaobao Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher at Rice.

“The new catalyst could help to make hydrogen a more sustainable source of energy,” said study co-author Naomi Halas, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice.

The researchers are now working on scaling up the catalyst for commercial use.