Green energy driven methane conversion under mild conditions

Abstract

Methane is a critical energy resource but also a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributing to global warming. To mitigate the negative effect of methane, it is meaningful to explore an effective methane conversion process motivated with green energy such as green electricity and sunlight. The selectivity and production rate are the key criteria in methane conversion. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent efforts and understanding in methane conversion to valuable products, including oxygenates and hydrocarbons, by taking advantage of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. The review begins with a general understanding of C–H bond activation mechanisms. It then focuses on electrocatalytic methane conversion (EMC) with an emphasis on catalyst design for oxygenate production, and photocatalytic methane conversion (PMC) with a particular focus on hydrocarbon production, especially ethylene (C₂H₄), due to the differences in oxygen sources between the two systems. An in-depth understanding of EMC and PMC mechanisms is also discussed to provide insights for improved catalyst design aimed at selective product generation. Finally, successful catalyst designs for EMC and PMC are summarized to identify challenges in achieving highly efficient and selective production of value-added chemicals and to offer clear guidance for future research efforts in green methane conversion.