Role and Dynamics of Transition Metal Carbides in Methane Coupling

Transition metal carbides have numerous applications and are known to excel in terms of hardness, thermal stability and conductivity. In particular, the Pt-like behavior of Mo and W carbides has led to a popularization of metal carbides in catalysis, ranging from electrochemically-driven reactions to thermal methane coupling. Herein, we show the dynamics of Mo and W carbides and the active participation of carbidic carbon in the formation of C2 products during methane coupling. A detailed mechanistic study reveals that the catalyst performance of these metal carbides can be traced back to its carbon diffusivity and exchange capability upon interaction with gas phase carbon (methane). A stable C2 selectivity over time on stream for Mo carbide (Mo2C) can be rationalized by fast carbon diffusion dynamics, while W carbide (WC) shows loss of selectivity due to slow diffusion leading to surface carbon depletion. This finding showcases that the bulk carbidic carbon of the catalyst plays a crucial role and that the metal carbide is not only responsible for methyl radical formation. Overall, this study supports the presence of a carbon equivalent to the Mars-Van Krevelen type mechanism for non-oxidative coupling of methane, thus introducing guiding principles to design and develop associated catalysts.