Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Photothermal catalysis is a new concept, with most of its areas still under development. It combines the action of light and heat to drive chemical reactions, leading to innovative approaches in the production of chemicals that are sustainable by nature. This approach offers the possibility of reducing energy costs and decreasing the environmental footprint associated with traditional chemical synthesis.

This process uses catalysts that absorb light and convert it into heat, catalyzing chemical reactions in highly efficient ways. The materials used in photothermal catalysis are engineered to absorb light, usually solar radiation, and rapidly convert it into surface-localized heat. This localized heat activates and catalyzes chemical reactions that can transform raw materials into useful products, such as fuels, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals. The combination of light and heat increases reaction rates, enabling effective synthesis with reduced energy input compared to traditional methods.

One prominent application of photothermal catalysis is in the production of hydrogen fuel. Catalysts, including gold nanoparticles or titanium dioxide, can harness sunlight to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen in a process known as solar water splitting. This method offers a clean, renewable source of hydrogen fuel that does not depend on fossil resources.

Beyond hydrogen production, photothermal catalysis has potential applications in converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into valuable chemicals like methanol. This provides a sustainable method to utilize captured carbon, transforming it into useful products.

Photothermal catalysis is also finding use in the synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Here, light not only controls the temperature but also influences the reaction environment, enabling selective synthesis with high precision. This accuracy allows complex molecules to be synthesized more precisely, reducing the need for extensive purification steps and streamlining the production process, all while conserving resources.