Tuning surface defects of WO 3-x for enhanced photothermal catalytic propane combustion

Photothermal synergistic catalysis for volatile organic compounds has been widely exploited due to its low energy consumption and high-efficiency advantages. However, little is known about how the defect concentration affects the photothermal catalytic performance. Herein, the regulated surface oxygen defects of Pt/WO 3-x via calcined under various atmospheres were synthesized, showing an excellent photothermal catalytic propane combustion over the Pt/WO 3-x with high oxygen vacancies concentration under light without any external heat source. The experiments and theory simulation unveiled a new photothermal reaction mechanism in which surface defects are conducive to broadening the adsorption light and trapping the photogenerated electrons to boost the activation of O 2. This work bodes well for opto-surface defects engineering strategy in advancing and implementing a “solar remove VOCs” process.