Redox-induced controllable engineering of MnO₂-Mn_xCo_3-xO₄ interface to boost catalytic oxidation of ethane

Multicomponent oxides are intriguing materials in heterogeneous catalysis, and the interface between various components often plays an essential role in oxidations. However, the underlying principles of how the hetero-interface affects the catalytic process remain largely unexplored. Here we report a unique structure design of MnCoO_x catalysts by chemical reduction, specifically for ethane oxidation. Part of the Mn ions incorporates with Co oxides to form spinel Mn_xCo_3-xO₄, while the rests stay as MnO₂ domains to create the MnO₂-Mn_xCo_3-xO₄ interface. MnCoO_x with Mn/Co ratio of 0.5 exhibits an excellent activity and stability up to 1000 h under humid conditions. The synergistic effects between MnO₂ and Mn_xCo_3-xO₄ are elucidated, in which the C₂H₆ tends to be adsorbed on the interfacial Co sites and subsequently break the C-H bonds on the reactive lattice O of MnO₂ layer. Findings from this study provide valuable insights for the rational design of efficient catalysts for alkane combustion.