Here, Pd nanoparticles supported on ZnO were prepared by the alcohol-reduction and the borohydride-reduction methods, and their efficiency towards the photocatalytic conversion of methane under mild conditions were evaluated. The resulting Pd/ZnO photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–Vis, and transmission electron microscopy. The reactions were performed with the photocatalysts dispersed in water in a bubbling stream of methane under UV-light illumination. The products formed were identified and quantified by gas chromatography (GC-FID/TCD/MSD). The principal products formed were C2H6 and CO2 with minor quantities of C2H4 and CO. No H2 production was observed. The preparation methods influenced the size and dispersion of Pd nanoparticles on the ZnO, affecting the performance of the photocatalysts. The best performance was observed for the photocatalyst prepared by borohydride reduction with 0.5 wt% of Pd, reaching a C2H6 production rate of 686 µmol·h−1·g−1 and a C2H6 selectivity of 46%.
Pt/CeO 2 catalysts were prepared with 0.5 and 1 wt% of Pt loadings by an alcohol-reduction process using a solution of ethylene glycol and water as a reducing agent and solvent. The obtained catalysts were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Transmission electron micrographs showed Pt nanoparticles with average sizes of 2.2 and 2.4 nm for Pt content of 0.5 and 1 wt%, respectively. The preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide in hydrogen-rich stream (CO-PROX reaction) was studied in the temperature range of 25-150 °C. Pt/CeO 2 catalysts showed maximum CO conversions in the range of 80-98% and CO 2 selectivity in the range of 50-70% at 50 °C.
The processes currently used in the chemical industry for methane conversion into fuels and chemicals operate under extreme conditions like high temperatures and pressures. In this sense, the search for methane conversion under mild conditions remains a great challenge. This review aims to summarize the use semiconductors and metal-semiconductors as heterogeneous photocatalysts for methane conversion under mild conditions into valuable products. First, a brief presentation of photochemical conversion of methane is provided and then the focus of this review on the use of heterogeneous photocatalysts for methane conversion are described. Finally, the main challenges and opportunities are discussed.
Au/Ga2O3 photocatalysts were prepared by three different methods (pre-formed Au nanoparticles, borohydride reduction, and impregnation-H2 reduction) and tested as photocatalysts for methane conversion coupling with hydrogen production from water. The...
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