Low temperature electrochemical activation of methane. Annual report, May 1, 1991-May 1, 1992

The electrochemical activation of methane to produce valuable chemicals is a major objective of the research. The low temperatures employed in aqueous media are favorable for partial oxidation of methane to stable products. Experiments are in progress to identify oxygenated intermediate species formed during the electrocatalysis. Oxide catalysts such as SrO + Fe2O3 and p-NiO and CaO + p-CoC were tested for methane partial oxidation activity. Semiconductor Si with ultra thin films of Pt or Au were also investigated.