Credit: The University of Hong Kong
A collaborative research project by The University College London, The University of Hong Kong, and Tsinghua University has developed a method to convert methane, a potent greenhouse gas, to formaldehyde with nearly 100% selectivity in the conversion process. This conversion of methane represents a potential eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods that increases efficiency while reducing unwanted byproducts.
The study, published in Nature Communications, establishes a new methodology of utilizing sunlight as the photocatalyst for converting methane to formaldehyde, a previously challenging conversion due to methane's stability and resistance to activation under ambient conditions. By utilizing a newly developed tungsten trioxide catalytic material, researchers are able to achieve nearly 100% selectivity under visible light conditions, creating a more carbon-neutral approach to standard methodologies that require reactor temperatures in excess of 500°C.
The groundbreaking catalytic material developed, comprised of atomically dispersed copper and partially reduced tungsten, works in tandem to create a dual active site catalytic material. By utilizing both copper and tungsten, researchers increased the efficiency and selectivity of the process.
"Solar conversion of methane is highly desirable for both low-carbon and high-value-added chemical syntheses,” said Professor Zhengxiao Guo. “However, product selectivity and production efficiency are key to success. This requires an in-depth understanding of the conversion mechanism, careful design of the catalyst, and complementary techniques to confirm its performance—a good case of multidisciplinary tasks that require strong collaborative dedication.”
The new methodology developed will have long-lasting impacts on the chemical industry, providing new methods for developing photocatalysts for chemical conversions to be done more sustainably and efficiently than current methods.