Topological Transformation of Mg-Containing Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets for Efficient Photodriven CH₄...

Direct conversion of methane (CH₄ ) to fuels and other high value-added chemicals is an attractive technology in the chemical industry; however, practical challenges to sustainable processes remain. Herein, we report the preparation of a heterostructured Co-doped MgO-based catalyst through topological transformation of a MgCo-layered double hydroxide (LDH) calcination from 200 to 1100 °C. Remarkably, the catalyst can activate CH₄ coupling to produce C₂ H₆ with a selectivity of 41.60 % within 3 h under full-spectrum irradiation through calcination of LDH at 800 °C. Characterization studies and catalytic results suggest that the highly dispersed active sites and large interfaces amongst the Co-doped MgO-based catalysts enable surface activation of CH₄ to methyl (CH₃ *), in turn promoting coupling of CH₃ * to C₂ H₆ . This study introduces a promising pathway for photodriven CH₄ coupling to give high value-added chemicals by using layered double hydroxides as a precursor.