Insights into the direct selective oxidation of methane to methanol over ZSM-5 zeolytes in aqueous hydrogen peroxide

摘要

The direct selective oxidation of methane by aqueous hydrogen peroxide over ZSM-5(50) has been investigated. Methyl hydroperoxide was confirmed as the initial product of methane oxidation. The decomposition of methyl hydroperoxide to formaldehyde is established as a key intermediate in an oxidation pathway to formic acid and ultimately CO2. Hydrogen was detected during the oxidation of methane over ZSM-5 zeolites. The hydrogen was evaluated in terms of its origins and possible role in the production of MeOH. The addition of a copper salt to the ZSM-5(50) zeolite was found to decrease the overall productivity of all methane oxygenates. The use of copper also promoted the selectivity for methyl hydroperoxide whilst removing formic acid. The role of hydroxymethyl-methyl hydroperoxide is considered as an intermediate in the decomposition of methyl hydroperoxide to methanol. A tentative proposal into the nature of the iron species responsible for the catalytic species in ZSM-5(50) is made.