What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to investigate the effectiveness of Au-decorated Zn-Mg O solid solutions in photocatalytically converting methane to ethane.

April 15, 2026

Au-decorated Zn x Mg 1− x O solid solutions with coexisting acidic and basic sites for enhanced photocatalytic methane conversion to ethane

Key Points

The research aims to investigate the effectiveness of Au-decorated Zn-Mg O solid solutions in photocatalytically converting methane to ethane.
Synthesis of 3Au–Zn0.95Mg0.05O solid solutions
Characterization of acidic and basic sites
Assessment of photocatalytic activity for methane conversion
Achieved methane conversion rate of 2700 µmol g −1 h −1
Demonstrated 85% selectivity for ethane
Identified the role of acid-base activation and Au-stabilized ˙CH 3 in the process.

Abstract

3Au–Zn 0.95 Mg 0.05 O with Zn 2+ /Mg–OH Lewis pairs photocatalyzes CH 4 to C 2 H 6 (2700 µmol g −1 h −1 , 85% selectivity) via acid–base activation of CH 4 and Au-stabilized ˙CH 3 to prevent overoxidation.

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