Selective Conversion of Propane by Electrothermal Catalysis in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Graphical Combining electrosynthesis with thermocatalysis : A strategy for efficient conversion of propane to high value-added C 3 oxygenated products is developed by coupling the electrosynthesis of H 2 O 2 on oxygen-doped carbon electrocatalyst for 2e − oxygen reduction reaction with thermocatalysis of propane oxidation over MIL-53 (Al, Fe) active sites in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Electrochemical conversion of alkanes to high value-added oxygenated products under a mild condition is of significance. Herein, we effectively couple the electrocatalysis of H 2 O 2 with the thermo-catalysis of propane oxidation in the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Specifically, H 2 O 2 is in-situ generated on the nitric acid-treated carbon black (C-acid) via 2e − process of oxygen reduction reaction, and then transports to the Fe active sites of MIL-53 (Al, Fe) metal–organic frameworks for propane oxidation. Based on this strategy, the space-time yield of C 3 oxygenated products of propane oxidation reaches 2.65 μmol h −1 cm −2 , which represents a new benchmark for electrochemical alkane oxidation in the fuel-cell-type electrolyzer. This study highlights the importance of multifunctional composite catalysts in the field of electrosynthesis.