Recent progress in efficient zeolite-based catalysts for catalytic conversion of C1 molecules

Abstract

The catalytic conversion of C₁ molecules (e.g. methane, methanol, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, etc.) represents a pivotal strategy for obtaining high-value chemicals and achieving carbon neutrality. Zeolites, by virtue of their high specific surface area, substantial adsorption capacity, uniform molecular-scale pore architectures, exceptional thermal and hydrothermal stability, and well-defined micropores that confer superior shape-selectivity, are highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts within the petrochemical and fine chemical sectors. The targeted design and synthesis of zeolites with tailored properties are therefore critical for advancing their application in C₁ valorization processes. Within this review, we survey the decisive impact of zeolite characteristics on the catalysis of C₁ transformations. The interplay of structural (framework topology and hierarchical design), chemical (acidity and wettability), and physico–chemical (confinement effects) properties will be analyzed in the context of processes involved in the pivotal conversion of C₁ molecules, such as the selective oxidation of methane, methanol-to-olefins (MTO), Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis, CO₂ hydrogenation, etc.