LOW TEMPERATURE DIRECT SELECTIVE METHANE TO METHANOL CONVERSION

摘要

Direct selective conversion of methane to methanol at low temperature (e.g. less than 300 degrees Celsius) is provided. The conversion is carried out at ambient pressure. An oxygen- activated catalyst is first created by heating a catalyst in an oxidizing environment. The oxygen-activated catalyst has at least one active site that is identified as a mono-(µ- oxo)dicupric core. Methane gas is subsequently passed over the oxygen-activated catalyst to directly form methanol. The active sites in the oxygen-activated catalyst could be regenerated after methanol removal and reused in the conversion process.