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Complexities of Capturing Light for Enhancing Thermal Catalysis

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Abstract

The applicability of heterogeneous catalysis is often marred by a requirement for large energy inputs to achieve optimal reaction temperatures. Removing the need for thermal input by utilising photocatalysts offers an alternate pathway towards achieving sufficient energy input, but it is severely limited by the current low efficiencies of solar energy conversion. Recent findings have suggested that utilising solar energy to supplement heterogeneous reaction systems can enhance performance, although integrating light within a thermal-catalytic system is not necessarily straightforward nor beneficial. Herein, we offer a perspective on the complexities of using light when promoting three systems of heterogeneous catalysis; (i) enhancing catalyst activity via a plasmonic effect, (ii) promoting reaction systems based on semiconducting catalyst materials, and (iii) activating intermediary species.

Graphic Abstract

Engaging light to boost the activity and/or selectivity of a heterogeneous catalytic reaction is not necessarily straightforward whereby a raft of complexities can be introduced. The complexities have the potential to negate any positive effects imposed by the light and, in some cases, can be to the detriment of catalyst performance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA

    Jonathan Horlyck

  2. School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia

    Jonathan Horlyck, Emma Lovell & Jason Scott

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  1. Jonathan Horlyck
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  2. Emma Lovell
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Correspondence to Jason Scott.

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Horlyck, J., Lovell, E. & Scott, J. Complexities of Capturing Light for Enhancing Thermal Catalysis. Catal Lett 152, 619–628 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10562-021-03669-7

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