Operand FT-IR spectroscopy of photocatalytic steam reforming of methane under intensity modulation of UV light

Abstract

We have found that the photocatalytic methane reforming under water vapor is induced at room temperature on surfaces of metal-loaded Ga₂O₃ particulate photocatalysts. In this reaction, we also found that the reaction activity significantly depends on the pressure of methane and the amount of metal co-catalyst. However, detailed reaction mechanisms including the dynamics of photogenerated carriers and surface adsorbed species relevant to the redox reactions of methane have been unclear. To clarify the behavior of photo-excited carriers and the reaction intermediates on the surfaces of Ga₂O₃ photocatalysts, we conducted operand FT-IR spectroscopy under intensity modulation of UV light. Then, we succeeded in observing a clear correlation between the reaction activity and a broad mid-infrared band (1000-5000 cm^-1) derived from the photo-generated electrons.