Methane, the most difficult to convert 'hardcore molecule' in organic chemistry. Recently, Zuo Zhiwei team of the School of Physical Science and Technology of Shanghai University of Science and Technology solved this problem, they found a low-cost, high-efficiency catalyst combination, room temperature conditions. Under this, methane conversion can be realized. This provides a new scheme for the conversion of methane into high value-added chemical products such as rocket propellant fuel, which provides a new idea for the efficient use of unique rare earth metal resources in China. Relevant research results have been published in international academic journals. On Science.
Schematic diagram of photocatalytic catalysis of methane carbon-hydrogen bond functionalization reaction.
With the continuous improvement of proven reserves and extraction, natural gas has gradually become one of the most important natural resources of economic value. If direct chemical conversion of natural gas can be achieved, not only can high natural gas use value be utilized, but also Avoid the high cost and pollution caused by natural gas transportation. However, direct conversion of natural gas is not easy.
The main compound in natural gas is methane, which is the most difficult molecule to convert in organic chemistry. Scientists have not found a cost-effective conversion process with high efficiency and mild reaction conditions. It is understood that high-efficiency catalysts for direct methane conversion are needed. The use of rare and expensive platinum, palladium and other precious metals, the reaction conditions also need to be high temperature, which is far from the industry expectation of direct conversion of methane and scale and economic requirements.
Photo of the research team (from left): Hu Anhua (co-first author), Zuo Zhiwei (corresponding author), Pan Hui (second author), Guo Wei (co-first author)
After 2 years of preliminary work accumulation, 148 days sprint, 2202 trials and optimization, Zuo Zhiwei team finally found a high-efficiency catalyst combination - '铈-based catalyst + alcohol catalyst', ie, at room temperature, in trichloroethanol and rare earth Under the synergistic catalysis of metal ruthenium, methane conversion is completed.
Zuo Zhiwei introduced that the biggest advantage of this catalyst combination is to fully pay attention to the economics of the whole process of the reaction. First, the reaction conditions only need room temperature, no heating or condensation; Second, trichloroethanol is a common chemical raw material, obtained as a catalyst. Very convenient; Third, 铈 accounts for nearly 50% of China's rare earth resources, and the price of lanthanum trichloride is about 18,000 yuan per ton, which is equivalent to one ten thousandth of the price of traditional platinum, palladium and other precious metal catalysts.
Industry experts believe that the team has found a new way to catalyze the 'hard-core' methane through sophisticated chemical design, providing solutions to take full advantage of methane, a rich natural resource in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and fine chemicals. Has broad application prospects.