Molecular-fence Catalysts for Low-temperature Oxidation of Methane to Methanol

Selective oxidation of methane to methanol often suffers from the low reaction efficiency. Based on the concept of molecular fence effect, Xiao and co-workers reported a heterogeneous catalyst system for strengthening methane oxidation by the in-situ generated hydrogen peroxide at mild temperatures. They achieved a 17.3% conversion of methane and 92% selectivity toward methanol, giving a methanol productivity of 91.6 millimoles per gram of AuPd per hour. This work has been published online in Science in Jan. 10, 2020.