Methane makes up a considerable amount of the rise in greenhouse gas emissions, as its global warming potential makes it more potent of a greenhouse gas in comparison to that of carbon dioxide. A notable source of methane production is related to industry, where it is often flared and emitted as carbon dioxide, which further adds to the already devastating amount present in our atmosphere. Rather than wasting an important chemical feedstock, direct methane gas conversion to a methanol is needed to produce a liquid fuel that can be easily stored and transported, thus reducing harmful carbon dioxide emissions. Efficient synthetic chemical, thermochemical, or electrochemical methods routes have yet to be discovered for this gas-to-liquid conversion. Our work focuses on using electrocatalytic methods to selectively oxidize hydrocarbons to alcohols, with the ultimate goal of direct conversion of methane to methanol.<br/>Here we investigate toluene oxidation as a model reaction to disentangle the fundamental characteristics underlying these complex processes. Through bivariate analysis of experimental data, we begin to understand the experimental controls that drive the selectivity for the electrocatalytic oxidation of toluene to benzyl alcohol and avoid overoxidation. In wet organic electrolytes, we used laser-made nickel–iron or nickel–manganese layered double hydroxide nanocatalysts to oxidize toluene to its respective products: benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, and benzoic acid. By modifying the catalyst composition, electrolyte conditions, reaction time, and applied potential, the selectivity for different oxidized species changed and revealed conditions, under which selective alcohol production was achieved.

Selective electrooxidation of toluene to benzyl alcohol using nanocatalysts made by pulsed laser in liquids synthesis

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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