Dual heterojunction engineering on TiO2 for spatial active-site decoupling toward efficient photocatalytic methane
Yurong Zhou1, Yachao Wang1, Yunrui Shi2
1Anhui Basic Discipline Research Center for Clean Energy and Catalysis, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China. fc4432@mail.ustc.edu.cn.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Dual heterojunction engineering on titanium dioxide (TiO2) enhances methane
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Methane oxidation is crucial for chemical synthesis.
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a widely studied photocatalyst.
- Developing efficient catalysts for methane conversion remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer dual heterojunctions on TiO2 for improved photocatalytic activity.
- To investigate the spatial separation of active sites for methane oxidative coupling.
- To enhance the production of C2 hydrocarbons from methane.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of dual heterojunctions on TiO2.
- Photocatalytic oxidative coupling of methane.
- Analysis of reaction products and catalyst stability.
Main Results:
- Achieved a C2 hydrocarbon production rate of 1.7 mmol g-1 h-1.
- Demonstrated 83% selectivity towards C2 hydrocarbon products.
- Exhibited remarkable catalyst stability for 45 hours.
Conclusions:
- Dual heterojunction engineering on TiO2 effectively decouples active sites.
- Synergistic strategy enhances methane conversion efficiency and selectivity.
- The developed catalyst shows significant potential for sustainable methane utilization.
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