Mild Methane Electrochemical Oxidation Boosted via Plasma Pre-Activation

Abstract

Obtaining partial methane oxidation reaction (MOR) with various oxygenates via a mild electrochemical method is practically difficult because of activation of stable C─H bond and consequent reaction pathway regulation. Here, a real-time tandem MOR with cascaded plasma and electrocatalysis to activate and convert the methane (CH₄) synergistically is reported for the first time. Boosted CH₄ conversion is demonstrated toward value-added products including, alcohols, carboxylates, and ketone via use of commercial Pd-based electrocatalysts. Compared with hash industrial processes, a mild condition, that is, anode potential < 1.0 V versus RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode) is used that mitigates overoxidation of oxygenates and obviates competing reaction(s). One evidence that Pd(II) sites and surface adsorbed hydroxyls are important in facilitating activated-CH₄ species conversion, and establish a reaction mechanism for conversion(s) that involves coupling reactions between adsorbed hydroxyls, carbon monoxide and C₁/C₂ alkyls. One conclude that pre-activation is important in boosting electrochemical partial MOR under mild conditions and will be of benefit in the development of sustainable CH₄