Single-site Zn+ on CuFe clusters for the selective oxidation of methane to methanol

Efficient valorization of methane (CH4), the major component of natural gas, remains a significant challenge in catalysis. It is known that CH4 can be catalytically activated on two different active centers, through a radical pathway (dehydrogenation) or surfacestabilized M-CH3 pathway (deprotonation). This project aims to combine these two processes, through the design and synthesis of multifunctional catalysts, comprising of monovalent Zn+ sites and CuFe-oxo clusters, embedded within an omega zeolite. Through the application of such a strategy, it is thought that both methane deprotonation and dehydrogenation, could achieved
simultaneously. Previous literature has confirmed that omega zeolites can accommodate high concentrations of Cu or Fe active species, thus providing an abundance of active sites for converting CH4. A continuous-flow fixed-bed reaction setup is to be equipped for studying this reaction, to inhibit the overoxidation of CH3OH to less undesirable products. Ultimately, this project aims to (1) develop highly efficient and selective catalysts for CH4 conversion to CH3OH, and to (2) develop a better understanding on how different active sites promote methane activation and influence reaction selectivity in this process. Despite ongoing difficulties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, various communicating actions will be employed to publicize this research project. Such actions are considered to be highly important for broadcasting the project outcomes to different audiences, thus elevating the
impact of the fellowship.