# Orchestrating Multi‐Ångstrom Spaced Cu─Ni Dual‐Atom Pair for Synergistic C─H Activation in Direct Methane Oxidation to Methanol

## TL;DR

Scientists designed a new catalyst using copper and nickel atoms to efficiently convert methane into methanol, a key chemical for clean fuels.

## Contribution

A sub-angstrom spaced Cu-Ni dual-atom pair is engineered for efficient methane oxidation with precise control over C-H bond activation.

## Key findings

- The CuNi/InNT catalyst achieves 106 mmol gcat h−1 productivity for methanol and methyl hydroperoxide.
- A 36818.84 µmol gcat h−1 methanol yield with 79.37% selectivity is achieved in a semi-industrial reactor.
- The dual-atom orbital coupling effect enhances d-band center and C/O 2p hybridization for methane activation.

## Abstract

Direct and efficient methane oxidation to methanol is an appealing route for upgrading abundant methane resources while acquiring building blocks of clean fuels and chemicals. However, owing to its highly symmetrical nature imparted chemical stability and steric hindrance, the design of multi‐ångstrom (<3.0 Å) spaced active species capable of activating its first C−H bond remains a fundamental challenge. Herein, Cu−Ni dual‐atom Pair is constructed using defect engineering and a stepwise deposition method over indium oxide to precisely modulate the C−H polarization with the Cu atom showing affinity to H end and Ni anchoring the C side. The optimal CuNi/InNT achieves an oxygenates (CH3OH and CH3OOH) productivity of 106 mmol gcat h−1, surpassing reported systems. Theoretical calculations validate the dominating role of interatomic distance for methane activation. Specifically, the dual‐atom orbital coupling effect in the minimally spaced Cu−Ni pair up‐shifts the overall d‐band center, significantly enhancing its hybridization with C/O 2p. Further modification through macroscopic reactor design boosts CH3OH yield to 36818.84 µmol gcat h−1 with 79.37% selectivity in a 1000 mL semi‐industrial prototype. This work provides a comprehensive explanation of the Cu−Ni synergy, bridging atomic‐scale catalysis with reactor design, and establishes a common design principle for binary catalysts at the electron and orbital level.

This work constructs a sub‐ångstrom‐spaced Cu−Ni dual‐atom pair over defect‐rich indium oxide support for methane oxidation into methanol. With Cu/Ni showing affinity to C−H bond's H/C end, an outstanding primary oxygenates (CH3OH and CH3OOH) productivity of 106 mmol gcat h−1 and a high oxygenates selectivity of 84.55% is achieved under mild conditions.