Sunlight-assisted photocatalytic oxidation of methane over uranyl-anchored MCM-41

Uranyl ions anchored within the mesopores of MCM-41 silicate host matrix served as highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts for sunlight-assisted room-temperature photooxidation of methane in the presence of air to selectively form carbon dioxide. The extent of conversion depended upon the methane content; lower the concentration, faster was the completion of reaction. It was also confirmed that no thermocatalytic reaction occurred below 200 degreesC in the absence of radiation, other test conditions remaining the same. These results are of relevance from the point of view of abatement of VOCs in the environment