Print Email Facebook Twitter Electronic Structure of the [Cu3(μ-O)3]2+ Cluster in Mordenite Zeolite and Its Effects on the Methane to Methanol Oxidation Title Electronic Structure of the [Cu3(μ-O)3]2+ Cluster in Mordenite Zeolite and Its Effects on the Methane to Methanol Oxidation Author Vogiatzis, Konstantinos D. (University of Tennessee) Li, G. (TU Delft ChemE/Catalysis Engineering; Eindhoven University of Technology) Hensen, Emiel J M (Eindhoven University of Technology) Gagliardi, Laura (University of Tennessee) Pidko, E.A. (TU Delft ChemE/Algemeen; Eindhoven University of Technology; ITMO University) Date 2017-10-12 Abstract Identifying Cu-exchanged zeolites able to activate C-H bonds and selectively convert methane to methanol is a challenge in the field of biomimetic heterogeneous catalysis. Recent experiments point to the importance of trinuclear [Cu3(μ-O)3]2+ complexes inside the micropores of mordenite (MOR) zeolite for selective oxo-functionalization of methane. The electronic structures of these species, namely, the oxidation state of Cu ions and the reactive character of the oxygen centers, are not yet fully understood. In this study, we performed a detailed analysis of the electronic structure of the [Cu3(μ-O)3]2+ site using multiconfigurational wave-function-based methods and density functional theory. The calculations reveal that all Cu sites in the cluster are predominantly present in the Cu(II) formal oxidation state with a minor contribution from Cu(III), whereas two out of three oxygen anions possess a radical character. These electronic properties, along with the high accessibility of the out-of-plane oxygen center, make this oxygen the preferred site for the homolytic C-H activation of methane by [Cu3(μ-O)3]2+. These new insights aid in the construction of a theoretical framework for the design of novel catalysts for oxyfunctionalization of natural gas and suggest further spectroscopic examination. To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:b9a85cae-976c-4231-a2a0-4559abd643bf DOI https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b08714 ISSN 1932-7447 Source The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 121 (40), 22295-22302 Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type journal article Rights © 2017 Konstantinos D. Vogiatzis, G. Li, Emiel J M Hensen, Laura Gagliardi, E.A. Pidko Files PDF acs.jpcc.7b08714.pdf 1.71 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:b9a85cae-976c-4231-a2a0-4559abd643bf/datastream/OBJ/view