Research Progress and Outlook on Photocatalytic Conversion of Methane to Methanol

Jia, Taikang; Wang, Wenzhong

doi:10.1002/cctc.202301279

“…Recently, (photo)electrochemical [122,123] and photocatalytic [124][125][126] direct methane conversions have been actively investigated. Although these are still in the early stages of research and development, their performance should be monitored as thermal methane conversion technologies develop.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Liquid-Phase Selective Oxidation of Methane to Methane Oxygenates

Kang,

Park

2024

Catalysts

2

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Methane is an abundant and relatively clean fossil fuel resource; therefore, its utilization as a chemical feedstock has a major impact on the chemical industry. However, its inert nature makes direct conversion into value-added products difficult under mild conditions. Compared to the gas-phase selective oxidation of methane, there have been several recent advances in the liquid-phase conversion of methane. This review categorizes the reports on the liquid-phase selective oxidation of methane according to the solvent and oxidant used. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed. High yields of methyl bisulfate as a methanol precursor can be achieved using SO3 in sulfuric acid; however, more attention should be paid to the separation process and overall economic analysis. However, the aqueous-phase selective oxidation of methane with in situ generated H2O2 is quite promising from an environmental point of view, provided that an economical reducing agent can be used. Based on the current state-of-the-art on this topic, directions for future research are proposed.

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Polydopamine‐Mediated Contact‐Electro‐Catalysis for Efficient Partial Oxidation of Methane

Jia,

Wang,

Zhang

et al. 2024

Angewandte Chemie

0

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The direct conversion and efficient utilization of methane pose a critical scientific challenge. Indirect activation via reactive oxygen species (ROS) offers a high probability of contact with methane and conversion efficiency under mild conditions. However, reported product yields are suboptimal due to challenges in activating oxygen and facilitating mass transfer in suspension systems. We propose the use of contact‐electro‐catalysis (CEC), employing polydopamine (PDA) as a catalyst that undergoes electron transfer with oxygen under ultrasound, generating ROS that drives the partial oxidation of methane (POM). Corresponding experimental results indicate that CH3OH and most HCHO are produced directly from CH4. Furthermore, through in situ characterizations, we have shown that light pretreatment of the catalysts in an oxygenated atmosphere facilitates the forming of more C=O functional groups with strong electron‐withdrawing properties, thereby significantly enhancing overall product yields, particularly for CH3OH. Within two hours, product yields reach 1.5 mmol·gcat−1 for HCHO and 0.9 mmol·gcat−1 for CH3OH. This work introduces a novel approach for efficient POM, while highlighting the distinctive catalytic properties of PDA.

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Polydopamine‐Mediated Contact‐Electro‐Catalysis for Efficient Partial Oxidation of Methane

Jia,

Wang,

Zhang

et al. 2024

Angew Chem Int Ed

0

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The direct conversion and efficient utilization of methane pose a critical scientific challenge. Indirect activation via reactive oxygen species (ROS) offers a high probability of contact with methane and conversion efficiency under mild conditions. However, reported product yields are suboptimal due to challenges in activating oxygen and facilitating mass transfer in suspension systems. We propose the use of contact‐electro‐catalysis (CEC), employing polydopamine (PDA) as a catalyst that undergoes electron transfer with oxygen under ultrasound, generating ROS that drives the partial oxidation of methane (POM). Corresponding experimental results indicate that CH3OH and most HCHO are produced directly from CH4. Furthermore, through in situ characterizations, we have shown that light pretreatment of the catalysts in an oxygenated atmosphere facilitates the forming of more C=O functional groups with strong electron‐withdrawing properties, thereby significantly enhancing overall product yields, particularly for CH3OH. Within two hours, product yields reach 1.5 mmol·gcat−1 for HCHO and 0.9 mmol·gcat−1 for CH3OH. This work introduces a novel approach for efficient POM, while highlighting the distinctive catalytic properties of PDA.

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Research Progress and Outlook on Photocatalytic Conversion of Methane to Methanol

Cited by 7 publications

References 117 publications

Liquid-Phase Selective Oxidation of Methane to Methane Oxygenates

Liquid-Phase Selective Oxidation of Methane to Methane Oxygenates

Polydopamine‐Mediated Contact‐Electro‐Catalysis for Efficient Partial Oxidation of Methane

Polydopamine‐Mediated Contact‐Electro‐Catalysis for Efficient Partial Oxidation of Methane

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