Innovative Catalysis Approaches for Methane Utilization

Abstract

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), has exhibited a persistent escalation in emissions from the energy sector. The imperative to mitigate these emissions has become paramount, and one promising avenue is the catalytic conversion of methane into diverse chemicals. This review focuses on the exploration of methane conversion into valuable compounds, including syngas, olefins, and methanol. As advancements in catalysis technology and studies have unfolded, numerous additional insights into the catalytic conversion of methane into novel and significant compounds have surfaced. This review provides an in-depth analysis, focusing predominantly on the latest advancements and cutting-edge innovations in catalytic methane conversion methodologies encompassing methane to acetonitrile and hydrogen cyanide conversion, selective methane conversion to formaldehyde, pyrolysis of methane into solid carbon and hydrogen, and the application of plasma-aided technology. Additionally, it endeavors to elucidate critical parameters and advantages and addresses the intricate array of limitations and future prospects such as theoretical calculations and artificial intelligence (AI)-aided catalyst design.