Inert CH4 vs Polarized Electrodes: Current Trends and Prospectives of Methan Electroactivation

Abstract

The electrochemical approach of methane oxidation reaction (MOR) is garnering huge attention in the electrocatalysis sector in the domain of energy science and technology, which aims to selectively convert methane to value-added chemicals such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, and other methyl derivatives with aim to minimize global level CH4 release into the atmosphere at its source. Despite huge advancements at the laboratory scale, notable gaps exist that hinder seamless conversion of methane into value-added products. The type of electrochemical methane oxidation, direct and indirect approaches have been critically discussed with their merits and demerits along with the different types of electrodes and electrolytes used in this review. Various strategies, focusing on electrolyte engineering (pH and concentration modulation), reaction kinetics (temperature, pressure, and electrolytic cell), and electrode engineering (doping, defect, interface engineering, and morphology engineering) have been analysed in depth here. Additionally, several challenges associated with MOR have been highlighted, along with proposed solutions to address them. The role of modern tools like machine learning and artificial intelligence has also been discussed in detail to show how further rapid advancement can be made in MOR that might lead us to close the gap between the laboratory achievements and industrially relevant operation conditions.