QENS for analysis of methane diffusion through Co3O4 supported ZSM-5 catalyst

To minimise CO2 emissions, Net Zero Carbon objectives by 2050 require the improvement of renewable energy sources such as wind and biomass. Methane (CH4) is the simplest and major component of natural gas with a high potential as a greenhouse gas. In Indonesia, ~9597.4 Mm3 of biogas is generated from animal waste each year. As a result, it is critical to convert methane into a potential source for the production of numerous valuable chemicals. For over a decade, our research group has reported studies on the direct conversion of methane into methanol via partial oxidation reaction including the utilisation of metal oxide-supported zeolite catalyst. A feasible reaction mechanism has been suggested by our group, the reaction mechanism was also analysed using IR in-situ spectroscopy, but no significant findings were obtained. However, a fundamental understanding of reaction mechanisms is indispensable for the development of novel catalytic materials capable of exceptional chemical efficiency. Therefore, as a way to understand the mechanism of the reaction, we propose QENS measurement to analyse the motion and diffusion of methane through the catalyst utilising OSIRIS instrument in ISIS Neutron and Muon Source facilities. We anticipate that the resulting data will lead to an efficient catalytic approach following our current grant for understanding the reaction mechanism, which may then be used to directly convert the abundant biomethane in nature into valuable chemicals.