Development of molecular and solid catalysts for the direct low-temperature oxidation of methane to methanol

Pyridine N-Oxide-Promoted Cobalt-Catalyzed Dioxygen-Mediated Methane Oxidation

The partial oxidation of methane with O₂ is significant due to its potential of providing abundant chemical feedstock. Only a few examples realized this type of reaction in homogeneous solvent systems, most of which are in low efficiency. Herein, we present a pyridine N-oxide-promoted cobalt-catalyzed O₂-mediated methane oxidation to produce methylene bis(trifluoroacetate) with productivity over 500 mol_ester mol_metal^-1 h^-1.

Influence of an electrified interface on the entropy and energy of solvation of methanol oxidation intermediates on platinum(111) under explicit solvation

Liquid water and electric fields play significant roles in phenomena occurring at catalytic and electrocatalytic interfaces; however, how their interplay influences interfacial energetics remains uncertain. Electric fields control the orientations of water molecules, which we hypothesized would influence the solvation thermodynamics of surface species. To explore this hypothesis, we used multiscale simulations involving density functional theory and classical molecular dynamics. We computed the energies and entropies of solvation of surface species on Pt(111), specifically, adsorbed CH₃OH, COH, and CO, which are intermediates in the pathway of methanol oxidation, in the presence of electric fields spanning -0.5 to +0.5 V Å^-1. We found that both the energy and entropy of solvation depend on the strength and direction of the field, with the entropy of solvation being significantly impacted. Both the energy and entropy dependence on the field can be ascribed to water molecule orientations. Specifically, more positive fields orient water molecules so that they can more effectively hydrogen bond with surface species, which strengthens the energies of solvation. However, at more negative fields, competition with the surface species causes interfacial water molecules to reorient, which leads to disorder in the water structure and hence increased entropy.

Effects of single and double active sites of Cu oxide clusters over the MFI zeolite for direct conversion of methane to methanol: DFT calculations

In this work, we investigate the effect of various species of Cu oxide clusters including single and double active sites incorporated in the MFI zeolite framework for the direct conversion of methane to methanol. An M06-2X density functional calculation is employed to fine-tune the suitable number and species of active sites and to provide insights into the effect of the active sites on the reaction mechanism of methane to methanol. Two models, single and double active sites of Cu oxide clusters, have been chosen, in which the single active site of Cu oxide clusters, (mono(μ-oxo)dicopper(ii)), is located at the Al1'-Al12' pair ([Cu(μ-O)Cu]2+@Al1'-Al12'/MFI) or at the Al6-Al7 pair ([Cu(μ-O)Cu]2+@Al6-Al7/MFI) in the MFI framework. For the double active sites of Cu oxide clusters, two species of double active sites of Cu oxide are considered. The first one is the double active site of mono(μ-oxo)dicopper(ii) containingtwo Al-Al pairs (Al1'-Al12' and Al6-Al7 pairs) in the MFI framework (2[Cu(μ-O)Cu]2+/MFI) and the other is the double active site of trans-μ-1,2-peroxo dicopper(ii), which occupies two Al-Al pairs (Al1'-Al12' and Al6-Al7 pairs) in the MFI framework (2[Cu(μ-1,2-peroxo)Cu]2+/MFI). Furthermore, the activation energy for C-H bond dissociation in direct methane conversion to methanol is considered. Compared with the single active site of [Cu(μ-O)Cu]2+/MFI, the double active sites, in particular (2[Cu(μ-O)Cu]2+/MFI), exhibited the lowest activation energy, approximately 12.5 kcal mol-1. The high charge transfer between activated methane and Cu oxide active sites and also the high negative partial charge at the bridging oxygen of Cu oxide active sites, which directly interact with the methane molecule and abstracts its H atom, are considered as the important factors which affect the catalytic activity of Cu oxide clusters for direct methane conversion to methanol. These findings strongly support that the number and species of Cu oxide active sites incorporated in the MFI framework can highly affect the reaction mechanism of methane to methanol.

KF-Promoted copper-catalyzed highly efficient and selective oxidation of methane and other alkanes with a dramatic additive effect

Selective oxidation of methane is traditionally challenging. Now using KF could dramatic improve the efficiency of copper catalyzed methane oxidation with K₂S₂O₈ as oxidant. The role of KF is conjectured to promote [SO₄˙]⁻ to escape the solvent cage.

Thermal activation of methane by MgO+: temperature dependent kinetics, reactive molecular dynamics simulations and statistical modeling

The kinetics methane activation (MgO⁺ + CH₄) was studied experimentally and computationally by running and analyzing reactive atomistic simulations.

PtII -Catalyzed Hydroxylation of Terminal Aliphatic C(sp3 )-H Bonds with Molecular Oxygen

The practical application of Shilov-type Pt catalysis to the selective hydroxylation of terminal aliphatic C-H bonds remains a formidable challenge, due to difficulties in replacing Pt^IV with a more economically viable oxidant, particularly O₂ . We report the potential of employing FeCl₂ as a suitable redox mediator to overcome the kinetic hurdles related to the direct use of O₂ in the Pt reoxidation. For the selective conversion of butyric acid to γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a significantly enhanced catalyst activity and stability (turnover numbers (TON)>30) were achieved under 20 bar O₂ in comparison to current state-of-the-art systems (TON<10). In this regard, essential reaction parameters affecting the overall activity were identified, along with specific additives to attain catalyst stability at longer reaction times. Notably, deactivation by reduction to Pt⁰ was prevented by the addition of monodentate pyridine derivatives, such as 2-fluoropyridine, but also by introducing varying partial pressures of N₂ in the gaseous atmosphere. Finally, stability tests revealed the involvement of Pt^II and FeCl₂ in catalyzing the non-selective overoxidation of GHB. Accordingly, in situ esterification with boric acid proved to be a suitable strategy to maintain enhanced selectivities at much higher conversions (TON>60). Altogether, a useful catalytic system for the selective hydroxylation of primary aliphatic C-H bonds with O₂ is presented.

Tuning Pt and Cu sites population inside functionalized UiO-67 MOF by controlling activation conditions

The exceptional thermal and chemical stability of the UiO-66, -67 and -68 classes of isostructural MOFs [J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2008, 130, 13850] makes them ideal materials for functionalization purposes aimed at introducing active centres for potential application in heterogeneous catalysis. We previously demonstrated that a small fraction (up to 10%) of the linkers in the UiO-67 MOF can be replaced by bipyridine-dicarboxylate (bpydc) moieties exhibiting metal-chelating ability and enabling the grafting of Pt(ii) and Pt(iv) ions in the MOF framework [Chem. Mater., 2015, 27, 1042] upon interaction with PtCl₂ or PtCl₄ precursors. Herein we extend this functionalization approach in two directions. First, we show that by controlling the activation of the UiO-67-Pt we can move from a material hosting isolated Pt(ii) sites anchored to the MOF framework with Pt(ii) exhibiting two coordination vacancies (potentially interesting for C-H bond activation) to the formation of very small Pt nanoparticles hosted inside the MOF cavities (potentially interesting for hydrogenation reactions). The second direction consists of the extension of the approach to the insertion of Cu(ii), obtained via interaction with CuCl₂, and exhibiting interesting redox properties. All materials have been characterized by in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Pt L₃- and Cu K-edges.

Temperature and Isotope Dependent Kinetics of Nickel-Catalyzed Oxidation of Methane by Ozone

The temperature dependent kinetics of Ni⁺ + O₃ and of NiO⁺ + CH₄/CD₄ are measured from 300 to 600 K using a selected-ion flow tube apparatus. Together, these reactions comprise a catalytic cycle converting CH₄ to CH₃OH. The reaction of Ni⁺ + O₃ proceeds at the collisional limit, faster than previously reported at 300 K. The NiO⁺ product reacts further with O₃, also at the collisional limit, yielding both higher oxides (up to NiO₅⁺ is observed) as well as undergoing an apparent reduction back to Ni⁺. This apparent reduction channel is due to the oxidation channel yielding NiO₂⁺* with sufficient energy to dissociate. ⁴NiO⁺ + CH₄ (CD₄) (whereas ⁴NiO⁺ refers to the quartet state of NiO⁺) proceeds with a rate constant of (2.6 ± 0.4) × 10^-10 cm³ s^-1 [(1.8 ± 0.5) × 10^-10 cm³ s^-1] at 300 K and a temperature dependence of ∼ T^-0.7±0.3 (∼ T^-1.1±0.4), producing only the ²Ni⁺ + ¹CH₃OH channel up to 600 K. Statistical modeling of the reaction based on calculated stationary points along the reaction coordinate reproduces the experimental rate constant as a function of temperature but underpredicts the kinetic isotope shift. The modeling was found to better represent the data when the crossing from quartet to doublet surface was incomplete, suggesting a possible kinetic effect in crossing from quartet to doublet surfaces. Additionally, the modeling predicts a competing ³NiOH⁺ + ²CH₃ channel to become increasingly important at higher temperatures.

A review of plasma-assisted catalytic conversion of gaseous carbon dioxide and methane into value-added platform chemicals and fuels

CO2 and CH4 contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, while the production of industrial base chemicals from natural gas resources is emerging as well. Such conversion processes, however, are energy-intensive and introducing a renewable and sustainable electric activation seems optimal, at least for intermediate-scale modular operation. The review thus analyses such valorisation by plasma reactor technologies and heterogeneous catalysis application, largely into higher hydrocarbon molecules, that is ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, etc., and organic oxygenated compounds, i.e. methanol, formaldehyde, formic acid and dimethyl ether. Focus is given to reaction pathway mechanisms, related to the partial oxidation steps of CH4 with O2, H2O and CO2, CO2 reduction with H2, CH4 or other paraffin species, and to a lesser extent, to mixtures' dry reforming to syngas. Dielectric barrier discharge, corona, spark and gliding arc sources are considered, combined with (noble) metal materials. Carbon (C), silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) as well as various catalytic supports are examined as precious critical raw materials (e.g. platinum, palladium and rhodium) or transition metal (e.g. manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper) substrates. These are applied for turnover, such as that pertinent to reformer, (reverse) water-gas shift (WGS or RWGS) and CH3OH synthesis. Time-on-stream catalyst deactivation or reactivation is also overviewed from the viewpoint of individual transient moieties and their adsorption or desorption characteristics, as well as reactivity.

Molecular Rh(III) and Ir(III) Catalysts Immobilized on Bipyridine-Based Covalent Triazine Frameworks for the Hydrogenation of CO2 to Formate

The catalytic reactivity of molecular Rh(III)/Ir(III) catalysts immobilized on two- and three-dimensional Bipyridine-based Covalent Triazine Frameworks (bpy-CTF) for the hydrogenation of CO2 to formate has been described. The heterogenized Ir complex demonstrated superior catalytic efficiency over its Rh counterpart. The Ir catalyst immobilized on two-dimensional bpy-CTF showed an improved turnover frequency and turnover number compared to its three-dimensional counterpart. The two-dimensional Ir catalyst produced a maximum formate concentration of 1.8 M and maintained its catalytic efficiency over five consecutive runs with an average of 92% in each cycle. The reduced activity after recycling was studied by density functional theory calculations, and a plausible leaching pathway along with a rational catalyst design guidance have been proposed.

Cation-exchanged zeolites for the selective oxidation of methane to methanol

Development of an ideal methane activation catalyst presents a trade-off between stability and reactivity of the active site that can be achieved by tuning the transition metal cation, active site motif and the zeolite topology.

Cu-CHA – a model system for applied selective redox catalysis

We review the structural chemistry and reactivity of copper-exchanged molecular sieves with chabazite (CHA) topology, as an industrially applied catalyst in ammonia mediated reduction of harmful nitrogen oxides (NH₃-SCR) and as a general model system for red-ox active materials (also the recent results in the direct conversion of methane to methanol are considered).

A heterogenized cobaltate catalyst on a bis-imidazolium-based covalent triazine framework for hydroesterification of epoxides

A recyclable heterogeneous [bis-imidazolium-CTF][Co(CO)₄] complex that reduces decomposition of cobaltate by intramolecular anion stabilization effects and efficiently converts epoxides into β-hydroxyesters with excellent conversion (selectivity 93%).

Metal-organic and covalent organic frameworks as single-site catalysts

Heterogeneous single-site catalysts consist of isolated, well-defined, active sites that are spatially separated in a given solid and, ideally, structurally identical. In this review, the potential of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as platforms for the development of heterogeneous single-site catalysts is reviewed thoroughly. In the first part of this article, synthetic strategies and progress in the implementation of such sites in these two classes of materials are discussed. Because these solids are excellent playgrounds to allow a better understanding of catalytic functions, we highlight the most important recent advances in the modelling and spectroscopic characterization of single-site catalysts based on these materials. Finally, we discuss the potential of MOFs as materials in which several single-site catalytic functions can be combined within one framework along with their potential as powerful enzyme-mimicking materials. The review is wrapped up with our personal vision on future research directions.

Large-Scale Selective Functionalization of Alkanes

Great progress has been made in the past several decades concerning C-H bond functionalization. But despite many significant advances, a commercially viable large-scale process for selective alkane functionalization remains an unreached goal. Such conversions will require highly active, selective, and long-lived catalysts. In addition, essentially complete atom-economy will be required. Thus, any reagents used in transforming the alkanes must be almost free (e.g., O₂, H₂O, N₂), or they should be incorporated into the desired large-scale product. Any side-products should be completely benign or have value as fuels (e.g., H₂ or other alkanes). Progress and promising leads toward the development of such systems involving primarily molecular transition metal catalysts are described.

Assessing the relative stability of copper oxide clusters as active sites of a CuMOR zeolite for methane to methanol conversion: size matters?

Copper-containing zeolites exhibit high activity in the direct partial oxidation of methane into methanol at relatively low temperatures. Di- and tricopper species have been proposed as active catalytic sites, with recent experimental evidence also suggesting the possibility of the formation of larger copper oxide species. Using density functional theory based global geometry optimization, we were able to identify a general trend of the copper oxide cluster stability increasing with size. For instance, the identified ground-state structures of tetra- and pentamer copper clusters of Cu_nO_n²⁺ and Cu_nO_n-1²⁺ stoichiometries embedded in an 8-ring channel of mordenite exhibit higher relative stability compared to smaller clusters. Moreover, the aluminium content and localization in the zeolite pore influence the cluster's stability and its geometrical motif, which offers a perspective of tuning the properties of copper-exchanged zeolites by creating copper oxide clusters of a given structure and size. With the activity of the cluster towards methane being connected to its stability, such tuning will potentially allow the design of catalysts with engineered properties.

Mechanistic insights into heterogeneous methane activation

A framework for predicting whether a catalyst will activate methane through the radical or surface-stabilized pathway is presented.

The duality of UiO-67-Pt MOFs: connecting treatment conditions and encapsulated Pt species by operando XAS

XAS study of Pt-functionalized UiO-67 MOFs shows that 2 types of catalytically active sites can be formed in MOF cavities isolated Pt-complexes and Pt nanoparticles.

Methane conversion into different hydrocarbons or oxygenates: current status and future perspectives in catalyst development and reactor operation

This Perspective highlights recent developments in methane conversion into different hydrocarbons and C₁-oxygenates. Our analysis identified possible directions for further research to bring the above approaches to a commercial level.

A Highly Efficient Heterogenized Iridium Complex for the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Formate

A heterogenized catalyst on a highly porous covalent triazine framework was synthesized and characterized to have a coordination environment similar to that of its homogeneous counterpart. The catalyst efficiently converted CO2 into formate through hydrogenation with a turnover number of 5000 after 2 h and an initial turnover frequency of up to 5300 h(-1) ; both of these values are the highest reported to date for a heterogeneous catalyst, which makes it attractive toward industrial application. Furthermore, the synthesized catalyst was found to be stable in air and was recycled by simple filtration without significant loss of catalytic activity.

Towards high water permeability in triazine-framework-based microporous membranes for dehydration of ethanol

The microstructural evolution of a series of triazine framework-based microporous (TFM) membranes under different conditions has been explored in this work. The pristine TFM membrane is in situ fabricated in the course of polymer synthesis via a facile Brønsted-acid-catalyzed cyclotrimerizaiton reaction. The as-synthesized polymer exhibits a microporous network with high thermal stability. The free volume size of the TFM membranes gradually evolved from a unimodal distribution to a bimodal distribution under annealing, as analyzed by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The emergence of the bimodal distribution is probably ascribed to the synergetic effect of quenching and thermal cyclization reaction. In addition, the fractional free volume (FFV) of the membranes presents a concave trend with increasing annealing temperature. Vapor sorption tests reveal that the mass transport properties are closely associated with the free volume evolution, which provides an optimal condition for dehydration of biofuels. A promising separation performance with extremely high water permeability has been attained for dehydration of an 85 wt % ethanol aqueous solution at 45 °C. The study on the free volume evolution of the TFM membranes may provide useful insights about the microstructure and mass transport behavior of the microporous polymeric materials.

Platinum-modified covalent triazine frameworks hybridized with carbon nanoparticles as methanol-tolerant oxygen reduction electrocatalysts

Covalent triazine frameworks, which are crosslinked porous polymers with two-dimensional molecular structures, are promising materials for heterogeneous catalysts. However, the application of the frameworks as electrocatalysts has not been achieved to date because of their poor electrical conductivity. Here we report that platinum-modified covalent triazine frameworks hybridized with conductive carbon nanoparticles are successfully synthesized by introducing carbon nanoparticles during the polymerization process of covalent triazine frameworks. The resulting materials exhibit clear electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reactions in acidic solutions. More interestingly, the platinum-modified covalent triazine frameworks show almost no activity for methanol oxidation, in contrast to commercial carbon-supported platinum. Thus, platinum-modified covalent triazine frameworks hybridized with carbon nanoparticles exhibit selective activity for oxygen reduction reactions even in the presence of high concentrations of methanol, which indicates potential utility as a cathode catalyst in direct methanol fuel cells.

Covalent triazine frameworks are known catalysts for some catalytic reactions, but show no electrocatalytic activity. Here, the authors synthesize platinum modified covalent triazine frameworks hybridized with carbon nanoparticles, which are electro-active for oxygen reduction reactions.

Recent advances in heterogeneous selective oxidation catalysis for sustainable chemistry

Oxidation catalysis not only plays a crucial role in the current chemical industry for the production of key intermediates such as alcohols, epoxides, aldehydes, ketones and organic acids, but also will contribute to the establishment of novel green and sustainable chemical processes. This review is devoted to dealing with selective oxidation reactions, which are important from the viewpoint of green and sustainable chemistry and still remain challenging. Actually, some well-known highly challenging chemical reactions involve selective oxidation reactions, such as the selective oxidation of methane by oxygen. On the other hand some important oxidation reactions, such as the aerobic oxidation of alcohols in the liquid phase and the preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide in hydrogen, have attracted much attention in recent years because of their high significance in green or energy chemistry. This article summarizes recent advances in the development of new catalytic materials or novel catalytic systems for these challenging oxidation reactions. A deep scientific understanding of the mechanisms, active species and active structures for these systems are also discussed. Furthermore, connections among these distinct catalytic oxidation systems are highlighted, to gain insight for the breakthrough in rational design of efficient catalytic systems for challenging oxidation reactions.

Oxidative methane upgrading

The economically viable oxidative upgrading of methane presents one of the most difficult but rewarding challenges within catalysis research. Its potential to revolutionalise the chemical value chain, coupled with the associated supremely challenging scientific aspects, has ensured this topic's high popularity over the preceeding decades. Herein, we report a non-exhaustive account of the current developments within the field of oxidative methane upgrading and summarise the pertaining challenges that have yet to be solved.

Review of methane mitigation technologies with application to rapid release of methane from the Arctic

Methane is the most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, with particular influence on near-term climate change. It poses increasing risk in the future from both direct anthropogenic sources and potential rapid release from the Arctic. A range of mitigation (emissions control) technologies have been developed for anthropogenic sources that can be developed for further application, including to Arctic sources. Significant gaps in understanding remain of the mechanisms, magnitude, and likelihood of rapid methane release from the Arctic. Methane may be released by several pathways, including lakes, wetlands, and oceans, and may be either uniform over large areas or concentrated in patches. Across Arctic sources, bubbles originating in the sediment are the most important mechanism for methane to reach the atmosphere. Most known technologies operate on confined gas streams of 0.1% methane or more, and may be applicable to limited Arctic sources where methane is concentrated in pockets. However, some mitigation strategies developed for rice paddies and agricultural soils are promising for Arctic wetlands and thawing permafrost. Other mitigation strategies specific to the Arctic have been proposed but have yet to be studied. Overall, we identify four avenues of research and development that can serve the dual purposes of addressing current methane sources and potential Arctic sources: (1) methane release detection and quantification, (2) mitigation units for small and remote methane streams, (3) mitigation methods for dilute (<1000 ppm) methane streams, and (4) understanding methanotroph and methanogen ecology.

Double N-arylation reaction of polyhalogenated 4,4'-bipyridines. Expedious synthesis of functionalized 2,7-diazacarbazoles

Unusual 2,7-diazacarbazoles were prepared in one step from readily available tetra-halogenated 4,4'-bipyridines by using a double N-arylation reaction in the presence of the Pd-XPhos catalyst system. Moderate to good yields were obtained in this site-selective Buchwald-Hartwig double amination. The functionalization of these tricyclic derivatives was performed by using Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions such as the Stille and Suzuki couplings. Two compounds were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and show π-π stacking involving the diazacarbazole moieties and the phenyl rings of functionalized groups.