Research progress on the photocatalytic activation of methane to methanol

Abstract

The conversion of methane (CH₄) to methanol (CH₃OH) has attracted much attention in the field of catalysis. The traditional thermocatalytic conversion of CH₄ to CH₃OH is largely restricted by thermodynamic equilibrium. Reaching a high yield and selectivity for CH₃OH often requires high temperatures and high pressures, and it can involve complicated operations. In comparison, the photocatalytic conversion of CH₄ to CH₃OH is promising for achieving high yields and high selectivity for CH₃OH, driven by solar energy, with a lower energy barrier and utilizing mild conditions. This review summarizes recent progress from four aspects: photocatalysts, oxidants, sacrificial reagents, and CH₄ activation mechanisms in various photocatalytic systems, and the current status of the field and existing challenges are analyzed. We hope this review will provide useful insights to inspire future research and discoveries.