Cover Feature: Collective photothermal effect of Al2O3‐supported spheroidal plasmonic Ru nanoparticle catalysts in the sunlight‐powered Sabatier reaction (ChemCatChem 22/2020). Issue 22 (15th October 2020) - Grote, Roos
Abstract : The Cover Feature schematically represents spheroidal plasmonic Ru nanocatalysts for the sunlight‐powered conversion of CO2 and H2 to CH4 and depicts the so‐called Sabatier process as part of a chemical production site. The Ru nanocatalysts are produced in a tube furnace and applied on larger Al2 O3 particles as support material (represented as small spheres applied on larger spheres). In their Communication, R. Grote et al. report a sharp increase in the rate of the sunlight‐powered Sabatier process for high Ru loadings on alumina (5.9% w/w). The authors attribute this rate enhancement to collective photothermal heating of the Al2 O3 ‐supported Ru nanoparticles. This is represented by the sunbeam that irradiates the catalyst with higher Ru loading, resulting in a local temperature increase. Grote et al. acknowledge Marc Schol (MCM Productions) and Morres & Company for the design of the cover feature. More information can be found in the Communication by R. Grote et al.