Low-Temperature Activation and Coupling of Methane on MgO Nanostructures Embedded in Cu₂O/Cu(111)

The efficient conversion of methane into valuable hydrocarbons, such as ethane and ethylene, at relatively low temperatures without deactivation issues is crucial for advancing sustainable energy solutions. Herein, AP-XPS and STM studies show that MgO nanostructures (0.2-0.5 nm wide, 0.4-0.6 Å high) embedded in a Cu