Selective Conversion of Propane by Electrothermal Catalysis in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Abstract Electrochemical conversion of alkanes to high value‐added oxygenated products under a mild condition is of significance. Herein, we effectively couple the electrocatalysis of H 2 O 2 with the thermo‐catalysis of propane oxidation in the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Specifically, H 2 O 2 is in‐situ generated on the nitric acid‐treated carbon black (C‐acid) via 2e − process of oxygen reduction reaction, and then transports to the Fe active sites of MIL‐53 (Al, Fe) metal–organic frameworks for propane oxidation. Based on this strategy, the space‐time yield of C 3 oxygenated products of propane oxidation reaches 2.65 μmol h −1 cm −2 , which represents a new benchmark for electrochemical alkane oxidation in the fuel‐cell‐type electrolyzer. This study highlights the importance of multifunctional composite catalysts in the field of electrosynthesis.