Improved catalytic combustion of methane using CuO nanobelts with predominantly (001) surfaces

Through computational calculations, CuO(001) has been identified as an active surface for methane oxidation. Experimental validation with CuO nanobelts comprised of predominantly (001) surfaces has been performed and it is confirmed that the performance of such nanobelts is much higher than normal nanoparticles and nanowires. First principle calculations further clarified that two-coordinated oxygen plays a key role for methane adsorption and oxidation.