Heterogeneous Catalysis for Methane Activation

Natural gas is a transition fuel and a promising building block of chemicals to a renewable energy society in the future. Directly converting methane, the main constituent of natural gas, into value-added chemicals and fuels is viewed as a “dream reaction” in heterogeneous catalysis. However, due to the high dissociation energy of C−H bond (435 kJ mol−1) of methane, the activation of products is thermodynamically more favorable than methane activation. As a result, it remains a great challenge to selectively activate methane to desired products in an economically attractive way. To address this problem, extensive efforts should be devoted to exploring advanced catalysts and understanding the underlying reaction mechanisms for methane activation reactions. Catalyst systems with novel reaction mechanisms might break the upper bound of product yields and accelerate the commercialization of direct conversion of methane.

This Research Topic aims to address the challenges and opportunities in the heterogeneous catalysis of methane activation reactions. We will highlight and collect the latest progress in methane activation reactions such as oxidative coupling of methane, selective oxidation of methane to oxygenates, methane aromatization and (oxy-) halogenation.

We encourage submissions of Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, and Perspective that address the experimental and theoretical aspects of heterogeneous catalysis for methane activation. Specific subjects include but are not limited to:

- Development of highly active catalysts for methane activation reactions
- Theoretical calculations and microkinetic modeling to elucidate mechanisms of methane activation reactions
- Advanced characterization techniques for studying methane activation reactions
- Design and application of novel reactors for methane activation reactions