Efficient sunlight-driven dehydrogenative coupling of methane to ethane over a Zn+-modified zeolite

Abstract

Sun bath: A Zn+-modified zeolite catalyst showing superior photocatalytic activity for the activation of a C-H bond converted methane into ethane and hydrogen upon irradiation of sunlight (see picture). Light at wavelengths shorter than 390 nm transferred electrons from the zeolite framework to the zinc centers. © 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.