Water enables mild oxidation of methane to methanol on gold single-atom catalysts.

ABSTRACT: As a 100% atom-economy process, direct oxidation of methane into methanol remains as a grand challenge due to the dilemma between activation of methane and over-oxidation of methanol. Here, we report that water enabled mild oxidation of methane into methanol with >99% selectivity over Au single atoms on black phosphorus (Au₁/BP) nanosheets under light irradiation. The mass activity of Au₁/BP nanosheets reached 113.5 ?mol g_catal^-1 in water pressured with 33?bar of mixed gas (CH₄:O₂?=?10:1) at 90 °C under light irradiation (1.2?W), while the activation energy was 43.4?kJ?mol^-1. Mechanistic studies revealed that water assisted the activation of O₂ to generate reactive hydroxyl groups and •OH radicals under light irradiation. Hydroxyl groups reacted with methane at Au single atoms to form water and CH₃* species, followed by oxidation of CH₃* via •OH radicals into methanol. Considering the recycling of water during the whole process, we can also regard water as a catalyst.

SUBMITTER: Luo L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7900127 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature