Interface-engineered CuS@NiCoSe with lattice strain: Synergizing photothermal conversion, gas adsorption, and stable...

Photothermal synergistic dry reforming of methane (DRM) involves the intricate coupling of photothermal conversion, CH₄/CO₂ adsorption-activation, and complex reaction pathways. The development of a multifunctional integrated catalytic system is thus highly desirable, though achieving efficient synergy among these functions remains a critical challenge. Herein, an interface-engineered hollow CuS@NiCoSe catalyst was synthesized via in situ etching and high-temperature selenization. Strong interfacial interactions induced deliberate lattice strain at the CuS/NiCoSe heterointerface, which orchestrated the synergy between photothermal conversion, enhanced CO₂ adsorption, and stable DRM catalysis. Hollow CuS, characterized by a high specific surface area, promoted gas enrichment and induced lattice strain at the interface through strong interactions with the NiCoSe shell. Such strain modulated the electronic structure of the active sites, thereby facilitating CH₄/CO₂ activation and CH bond cleavage. Moreover, the NiCoSe shell enabled efficient photothermal conversion via broad-spectrum solar absorption, providing necessary thermal energy to drive the endothermic DRM.