Elucidation of the reaction mechanism on dry reforming of methane in an electric field by in situ DRIFTs

With increasing expectations for carbon neutrality, dry reforming is anticipated for direct conversion of methane and carbon dioxide: the main components of biogas. We have found that dry reforming of methane in an electric field using a Pt/CeO(2) catalyst proceeds with sufficient rapidity even at a low temperature of about 473 K. The effect of the electric field (EF) on dry reforming was investigated using kinetic analysis, in situ DRIFTs, XPS, and DFT calculation. In situ DRIFTs and XPS measurements indicated that the amount of carbonate, which is an adsorbed species of CO(2), increased with the application of EF. XPS measurements also confirmed the reduction of CeO(2) by the reaction of surface oxygen and CH(4). The reaction between CH(4) molecules and surface oxygen was promoted at the interface between Pt and CeO(2).