The Property–Efficiency Relationship over Rh/GaxNby Catalysts in Photothermal Dry Reforming of CH4

Photothermal catalytic dry reforming of methane (DRM) technology not only achieves artificial photosynthesis of fuels but also decreases greenhouse effects. The highly efficient photothermal DRM reaction depends on elaborate catalysts. Therefore, unraveling the relationship between property and catalytic efficiency of catalysts is crucial. In this study, a series of Rh-loaded Ga2O3-Nb2O5 (Rh/GaxNby) were designed via a simple in situ reduction strategy using Rh2O3/Ga2O3-Nb2O5 as a precursor. After an accurate material characterization, as a proof-of-principle, the photothermal efficiency could be attributed to (i) the amount of medium and strong basic sites on the catalyst surface; (ii) the number of electron–hole pairs upon visible light irradiation. Accordingly, this study used Rh/GaxNby as a model hybrid catalyst to clarify the relationship between the fundamental properties and photothermal catalytic DRM activities, thus providing guidance for the rational design and fabrication of efficient metal/semiconductor composite catalysts for DRM implementation.