Metal–Organic Framework-Derived IrO₂/CuO Catalyst for Selective Oxidation of Methane to Methanol

Direct oxidation of methane to methanol is desired for high value-added utilization of natural gas, but it remains a challenge. Herein, we present a highly mixed hybrid oxide, IrO2/CuO, prepared using a bottom-up tactic, namely, nanoparticle synthesis, encapsulation by Cu-containing metal–organic frameworks, and in situ oxidation, as an advanced catalyst for methane oxidation to methanol. Through the synergistic function of IrO2 for CH4 activation and CuO for selective oxidation, an inspired methanol batch yield of 872 μmol g–1 is achieved under mild feeding conditions of 3 bar CH4/1 bar air in water at 150 °C for 3 h with a robust cyclic stability. Upon elevating the CH4 feeding pressure to 20 bar, the methanol yield reaches as high as 1937 μmol g–1, which is among the best state-of-the-art values.