Session: General Catalysis:

Partial oxidation of methane to methanol in a one-step process for efficient use of natural gas remains one of the major challenges in catalysis. We have discovered a new catalyst composed of bismuth polyoxometalates (POM) supported on silicon carbide, that achieved promising methanol selectivity and methane conversion at 150 °C and atmospheric pressure. The structural, compositional and electronic properties of the catalysts were characterized using a combination of XRD, XPS, IR, UV-vis, TEM, and XAFS techniques. The reaction pathways of CH₄ and O₂ on the catalysts were investigated by using a combination of in-situ FTIR and XPS for identification of intermediates and products. The combined results yielded a fundamental understanding of the catalyst characteristics responsible for the superior performance of the Bi-POM/SiC catalyst and may serve as the basis for catalyst design for improved direct methane oxidation to methanol.

Christian Moon

Student, Long Island University

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