Atmospheric- and Low-Level Methane Abatement via an Earth-Abundant Catalyst

Abstract

Climate action scenarios that limit changes in global temperature to less than 1.5 °C require methane controls, yet there are no abatement technologies effective for the treatment of low-level methane. Here, we describe the use of a biomimetic copper zeolite capable of converting atmospheric- and low-level methane at relatively low temperatures (e.g., 200−300 °C) in simulated air. Depending on the duty cycle, 40%, over 60%, or complete conversion could be achieved (via a two-step process at 450 °C activation and 200 °C reaction or a short and long activation under isothermal 310 °C conditions, respectively). Improved performance at longer activation was attributed to active site evolution, as determined by X-ray diffraction. The conversion rate increased over a range of methane concentrations (0.00019−2%), indicating the potential to abate methane from any sub-flammable stream. Finally, the uncompromised catalyst turnover for 300 h in simulated air illustrates the promise of using low-cost, earth-abundant materials to mitigate methane and slow the pace of climate change.