Karima Ben Tayeb

Abstract Selective photocatalytic oxidation of methane to liquid oxygenates under ambient conditions remains challenging due to the inert C–H bond and propensity for over-oxidation. Controlling carrier transfer and reactive oxygen species is therefore essential to the selective methane photooxidation. Ultrasmall zirconium metal–organic framework (UiO-66-H) nanocrystals in situ grown on titania form a heterojunction that promotes efficient charge separation and tunes the interfacial band alignment.

Abstract Upon illumination, photocatalysts generate charge carriers for redox reactions, but their efficiency is often limited by carrier recombination and poor minority-carrier diffusion, despite many existing junction engineering strategies. Here we exploit the insulator–metal transition in VO2 to produce a material that promotes efficient charge separation and enhances the photocatalytic conversion of methane through the spontaneous formation of junctions.

Abstract Aliphatic diols such as ethylene and propylene glycol are the key products in the chemical industry for manufacturing polymers. The synthesis of these molecules usually implies sequential processes, including epoxidation of olefins using hydrogen peroxide or oxygen with subsequent hydrolysis to glycols. Direct hydroxylation of olefins by cheap and green oxidants is an economically attractive and environmentally friendly route for the synthesis of diols.