Two Pathways for Near Room Temperature Electrochemical Conversion of Methane to Methanol

The conversion of methane to methanol in low temperature alkaline flow cells is studied. The mechanism of oxygen insertion without breaking the C-H bond for methane activation is examined with both hydroxide and carbonate oxygen donors. The effectiveness of adding zirconium oxide to the nickel oxide catalyst to facilitate carbonate adsorption is evaluated. Methanol production in the flow cells is measured using multiple techniques.