Continuous methane partial oxidation over Au/ZSM-5 catalysts

Authors

• Mark B.F. Berko, Cain Department of Chemical Engineering
• A. K.M. Kazi Aurnob, Cain Department of Chemical Engineering
• Richard J. Lewis, Cardiff University
• Thomas E. Davies, Cardiff University
• Guodong Qi, Chinese Academy of Sciences
• Jun Xu, Chinese Academy of Sciences
• Stuart H. Taylor, Cardiff University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

The selective oxidation of methane to methanol and acetic acid represents a promising strategy for valorizing abundant natural gas into valuable chemicals. Using zeolite (ZSM-5)-supported Au nanoparticles from colloidal adsorption, deposition precipitation and wet impregnation methods, we demonstrate the selective oxidation of methane by cofeeding CH4, CO, O2 and steam in a high-pressure continuous flow reactor. Oxygenates (methanol, acetic acid and other trace chemicals.) and higher hydrocarbons (ethane) were produced in addition to carbon dioxide. The catalyst synthesis protocols showed a strong influence on the catalytic performance. Infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy studies suggest that Au nanoparticles rather than ionic Au species are responsible for the active sites in the selective oxidation of methane.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Catalysis Today

Recommended Citation

Berko, M., Kazi Aurnob, A., Lewis, R., Davies, T., Qi, G., Xu, J., & Taylor, S. (2026). Continuous methane partial oxidation over Au/ZSM-5 catalysts. Catalysis Today, 461 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2025.115531