Redox-induced controllable engineering of MnO 2 -Mn x Co 3-x O 4 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 x Co 3-x O 4 , while the rests stay as MnO 2 domains to create the MnO 2 -Mn x Co 3-x O 4 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 MnO 2 and Mn x Co 3-x O 4 are elucidated, in which the C 2 H 6 tends to be adsorbed on the interfacial Co sites and subsequently break the C-H bonds on the reactive lattice O of MnO 2 layer. Findings from this study provide valuable insights for the rational design of efficient catalysts for alkane combustion.