Plasmon-Assisted Photothermal Catalysis

Abstract

The central objective of this dissertation was to assess the potential use of plasmonic nanostructures in the context of heterogenous catalytic reactions. The research presented in this dissertation was done to specifically examine the production of hydrogen via methanol steam reforming in a more energy-efficient, small-scale manner: through a nanoscale, thermally-driven photocatalytic process. This research specifically explored the use of a plasmonic substrate in order to determine its ability to provide the thermal energy required to drive the methanol steam reforming reaction. In addition, a novel, high-performance Cu-based catalyst for use in the steam reforming reaction was produced and characterized. The effect of the amount of catalyst on the optical properties of the substrate was also explored. Through the use of gas chromatography and a thermodynamic analysis of the reaction process, it was ultimately shown that it is possible to achieve the localized high temperatures that are necessary for the production of hydrogen.