The direct partial oxidation of methane to methanol is a topic of great interest for the gas and petroleum industries and is one of the grand challenges in the area of catalysis and energy. Methane is the major component of associated petroleum and natural gas and is routinely flared at remote oil fields where its collection and use are deemed unprofitable. The decentralized partial oxidation of methane to methanol, one of the most important industrial chemical precursors, is a promising alternative to harness, transport, and utilize this abundant carbon and energy resource.<br/><br/>The direct transformation of methane to methanol in remote locations requires a selective catalyst capable of operating at near ambient temperatures and pressures inside a modular device. Methane can be activated at ambient temperatures on the surface of an electrode, either directly by its reaction with a surface oxygen site or indirectly via its oxidation by free radicals generated at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Formation of oxidative species is most likely an electrochemical process in both mechanisms, while methane activation is a thermochemical step. Electrocatalysis offers precise control over the rate of generation of these oxidative species by changing the applied potential and is a promising approach to control kinetics and impart product selectivity for the direct partial oxidation of methane to methanol.<br/><br/>In this contribution, we present our approach to the discovery of selective methane to methanol electrocatalysts through the development of experimental and theoretical tools that explore design principles beyond transition state theories and include fundamentals of mass and charge transport.

Development of electrocatalyst for the partial oxidation of methane to methanol

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.