Electrochemical conversion of methane to bridge the gap in the artificial carbon cycle

Abstract

Methane, an abundant one-carbon (C₁) resource, is extensively used in the industrial production of vital fuels and value-added chemicals. However, current industrial methane conversion technologies are energy- and carbon-intensive, mainly due to the high activation energy required to break the inert C–H bond, low selectivity, and problematic side reactions, including CO₂ emissions and coke deposition. Electrochemical conversion of methane (ECM) using intermittent renewable energy offers an attractive solution, due to its modular reactor design and operational flexibility across a broad spectrum of temperatures and pressures. This review emphasizes conversion pathways of methane in various reaction systems, highlighting the significance and advantages of ECM in facilitating a sustainable artificial carbon cycle. This work provides a comprehensive overview of conventional methane activation mechanisms and delineates the complete pathways of methane conversion in electrolysis contexts. Based on surface/interface chemistry, this work systematically analyzes proposed reaction pathways and corresponding strategies to enhance ECM efficiency towards various target products, including syngas, hydrocarbons, oxygenates, and advanced carbon materials. The discussion also encompasses opportunities and challenges for the ECM process, including insights into ECM pathways, rational electrocatalyst design, establishment of benchmarking protocols, electrolyte engineering, enhancement of CH₄ conversion rates, and minimization of CO₂ emission.