State-of-the-Art and Achievements in the Catalytic Conversion of Natural Gas into Valuable Chemicals

The state-of-the art in the catalytic conversion of natural gas containing methane as the main component to valuable chemicals and fuels is reviewed. Methane conversion processes are of considerable importance to society; like oil, they are sources of energy, fuels, and chemicals. Direct and indirect means of methane conversion are discussed. Direct methane conversion processes are commonly thought of as the Holy Grail of modern research, since the methane molecule is extremely stable. Ways of producing synthesis gas, methanol, ethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, and other compounds are considered. The main emphasis is on processes of direct methane conversion (methane dehydroaromatization). Catalysts and the conditions for their synthesis are described, the state of active sites is studied, and a mechanism of methane dehydroaromatization is proposed. The reasons for catalyst deactivation and means of catalyst regeneration mechanism are described. The review helps summarize recent advances in heterogeneous catalysis in the field of natural gas conversion.