Abstract
Partial oxidation of methane (POM) to syngas is a credible approach to utilize natural gas resources effectively. However, the high reaction temperature required in thermocatalysis decreases the cost–performance ratio. A scheme for photocatalytic POM is proposed using palladium (Pd) nanoparticles loaded onto strontium tantalate (Sr2Ta2O7), an ultrawide‐bandgap (UWBG) semiconductor. UV irradiation initiates POM at temperatures lower than 423 K and promotes the reaction efficiency below 873 K as compared with the dark conditions. The photogenerated hot carriers that arise from the d to s interband excitation of Pd drive the photocatalytic reaction, rather than the bandgap excitation of the semiconductor support. It is demonstrated that the combination of a UWBG semiconductor and metal nanoparticles is conducive to the migration and separation of hot carriers. The suppressed activities of frequently used wide‐gap semiconductors such as TiO2 loaded with Pd are attributed to the competition between bandgap excitation in semiconductors and interband excitation in metal nanoparticles.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
