Origin of the Ability of α-Fe2O3 Mesopores to Activate C−H Bonds in Methane

Methane is a most abundant and inexpensive hydrocarbon feedstock for the production of chemicals and fuels. However, it is extremely difficult to directly convert methane to higher hydrocarbons because the C−H bonds in methane are the most stable C−H bonds of all hydrocarbons. The activation of the C−H bonds in methane by using an efficient and mild route remains a daunting challenge. Here, we show that the inner surface structures of the pore walls in mesoporous α‐Fe2O3 possess excellent catalytic performance for methane activation and convert C−H bonds into the C−O bonds in an O2 atmosphere at 140 °C. We found that such unusual structures are mainly comprised of turbostratic ribbons and K crystal faces and have higher catalytic activity than the (110) plane. These results are without precedent in the history of catalysis chemistry and will provide a new pathway for designing and preparing highly efficient catalytic materials. Origin of the activation: The inner surface structures of the pore wall in mesoporous α‐Fe2O3 are mainly comprised of turbostratic ribbons and K crystal faces. They show excellent catalytic performance for methane activation, during which the C−H bonds are converted into C−O bonds in an O2 atmosphere at 140 °C (see figure).