Abstract
The selective oxidation of methane, the primary component of natural gas, remains an important challenge in catalysis. We used colloidal gold-palladium nanoparticles, rather than the same nanoparticles supported on titanium oxide, to oxidize methane to methanol with high selectivity (92%) in aqueous solution at mild temperatures. Then, using isotopically labeled oxygen (O2) as an oxidant in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), we demonstrated that the resulting methanol incorporated a substantial fraction (70%) of gas-phase O2. More oxygenated products were formed than the amount of H2O2 consumed, suggesting that the controlled breakdown of H2O2 activates methane, which subsequently incorporates molecular oxygen through a radical process. If a source of methyl radicals can be established, then the selective oxidation of methane to methanol using molecular oxygen is possible.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 223-227 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 358 |
Issue number | 6360 |
Early online date | 7 Sept 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 13 Oct 2017 |
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Aqueous Au-Pd colloids catalyze selective CH4 oxidation to CH3OH with O2 under mild conditions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Profiles
-
Simon Freakley
- Department of Chemistry - Senior Lecturer
- Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT)
- Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change
Person: Research & Teaching, Core staff, Researcher