Low Temperature Nano Mechano-electrocatalytic CH 4 Conversion

Transforming natural resources to energy sources, such as converting CH to H and carbon, at high efficiency and low cost is crucial for many industries and environmental sustainability. The high temperature requirement of CH conversion regarding many of the current methods remains a critical bottleneck for their practical uptake. Here we report an approach based on gallium (Ga) liquid metal droplets, Ni(OH) cocatalysts, and mechanical energy input that offers low-temperature and scalable CH conversion into H and carbon. Mainly driven by the triboelectric voltage, originating from the joint contributions of the cocatalysts during agitation, CH is converted at the Ga and Ni(OH) interface through nanotribo-electrochemical reaction pathways. The efficiency of the system is enhanced when the reaction is performed at an increased pressure. The dehydrogenation of other nongaseous hydrocarbons using this approach is also demonstrated. This technology presents a possible low energy route for CH conversion without involving high temperature and harsh operating conditions.