The transatlantic researcher team used a method that relies on self-assembly of nanoparticles and found that their core-shell nanostructure performed 30 times better than the best methane combustion catalysts currently available.
The development allows for greater exploitation of energy from methane while potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
University of Pennsylvania department of chemical and bio-molecular engineering Professor Raymond J. Gorte said that the materials developed can be used for some important applications.
Currently available catalysts do not burn methane completely that leaves unburned methane to escape into the atmosphere and contribute to negative climate change.
University of Pennsylvania department of chemical post doctoral fellow Matteo Cargnello added, "It’s possible to envision this catalyst contributing to pollution control from automotive exhaust and maybe even improving the efficiency of gas turbines."
The said research was funded by University of Trieste and Consortium INSTM, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and Spain’s Ministry of Science and Innovation.
