A Laser Application In Environmental Catalysis

CO2 reduction to CH4, by H2, can be achieved at room temperature over a NiO catalyst under laser irradiation. The H2 adsorption states on NiO surface, pre-irradiated and non-irradiated, were put in evidence by Temperature Programmed Desorption. A 248 nm KrF* excimer laser radiation was used to stimulate the filling of the room temperature H2 adsorption state, considered as the first step of the CO2 methanation mechanism.