Development of Methane Oxidation Catalyst and Its Mechanism

Palladium is well known to catalyze methane (CH₄) oxidation more efficiently than platinum (Pt) and/or rhodium (Rh) catalysts. The mechanism for methane oxidation on palladium is hypothesized to proceed via a radical intermediate. Direct identification of a radical species was not detected by Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy (ESR). However, indirect evidence for a radical intermediate was found by identification of ethane (C₂H₆), the methyl radical(CH₃ ^˙ ) coupling product, by Mass spectroscopy analysis under CH₄/O₂ conditions.