Conversion of methane to methanol is performed by a two-step process in industry, which involves steam reforming of methane and a subsequent methanol synthesis from CO and H₂. Their harsh reaction conditions such as high temperature and pressure significantly increase economy and energy costs. The direct synthesis process of methanol from partial oxidation of methane has been studied for a few decades. However, it remains one of the considerable challenges in the sector of methane utilization. Herein, we report a carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported palladium-gold (Pd-Au) nanoparticles catalyst for this direct synthesis, which shows outstanding methanol selectivity and productivity at low temperature.

Metal-organic-framework (MOF) is drawn attention as CO₂ adsorbent. Shape forming technology for powdery MOF is required for application in industry. In this study, the monolith of HKUST-1, a kind of Cu-based MOF, was prepared by a novel one-pot synthesis method and its adsorption property was investigated.

火炎噴霧熱分解法により調製したNi/CeO₂触媒は、Ni量が60wt%であってもNiサイズが10-20 nm程度となるため、高いCO₂メタン化反応活性を示すことが分かっている。更なる活性改善を志向して、Zr添加Ni/CeO₂触媒を火炎噴霧熱分解法により調製した。Ce/Zr = 9の比でZrを添加した場合、 ZrはCeO₂に固溶していることがXRDにより示唆された。またCO₂メタン化反応のCO₂転化率（225℃）は、Zr未添加の場合と比較して、Zr添加により2倍に向上したので報告する。