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V activated electro-epoxidation catalyst in membrane electrode assembly system for the production of propylene oxide

Author

Listed:
  • Yan Lin

    (China University of Petroleum (East China)
    Tsinghua University)

  • Hui Li

    (China University of Petroleum (East China))

  • Xiaodong Miao

    (China University of Petroleum (East China))

  • Yunayuan Sun

    (China University of Petroleum (East China))

  • Hao Ren

    (China University of Petroleum (East China))

  • Xifeng Yu

    (China University of Petroleum (East China))

  • Wangyang Cui

    (China University of Petroleum (East China))

  • Mingbo Wu

    (China University of Petroleum (East China))

  • Zhongtao Li

    (China University of Petroleum (East China))

Abstract

Direct electro-epoxidation of propylene (D-EOPO) with a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) system represents a sustainable approach for producing propylene oxide, which can reduce ohmic losses and simplify product separation. To address the challenges of selectivity and activity, we develop an Ag/V catalyst and integrate it into the “liquid-free” MEA reactor for continues D-EOPO. The V in the catalyst facilitates the formation of Ag-O active centers, thereby reducing the generation energy of *O radicals. Meanwhile, V doping also results in a downshift of the d-band center of the Ag sites. Consequently, the formation of the crucial intermediate (*OC3H6) is significantly accelerated through the coupling *O with adsorbed propylene, thereby markedly improving propylene oxide (PO) production. The MEA reactor, integrated with the developed Ag/V catalyst, can maintain a stable production rate of PO at 227 μmol/h over a period of 78 hours. Thus, the “liquid-free” electro-epoxidation protocol developed here exhibits greater industrial applicability.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan Lin & Hui Li & Xiaodong Miao & Yunayuan Sun & Hao Ren & Xifeng Yu & Wangyang Cui & Mingbo Wu & Zhongtao Li, 2025. "V activated electro-epoxidation catalyst in membrane electrode assembly system for the production of propylene oxide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58486-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58486-y
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