Fundamental insight into electrochemical oxidation of methane towards methanol on transition metal oxides
Aditya Prajapati, Brianna Collins, Jason D. Goodpaster, Meenesh R. Singh
Abstract
Significance The electrochemical conversion of CH 4 to liquid fuel such as CH 3 OH offers a sustainable and environmentally benign route to utilize shale gas. This process requires controlled oxidation by optimal splitting and formation of C–H and C–O bonds to produce desired products at ambient conditions, which has been a long-standing challenge in electrocatalysis of hydrocarbons. Here, we combine electrochemical experiments with quantum chemical calculations to develop activity descriptors for identification of efficient electrocatalysts that can partially oxidize CH 4 to CH 3 OH. This work provides much deeper insights into potential-driven breakage/formation of C–H and C–O bonds, which will greatly advance the scientific understanding of hydrocarbon electrochemistry.