Research progress on the photocatalytic activation of methane to methanol

The conversion of methane (CH4) to methanol (CH3OH) has attracted much attention in the field of catalysis. The traditional thermocatalytic conversion of CH4 to CH3OH is largely restricted by thermodynamic equilibrium. Reaching a high yield and selectivity for CH3OH often requires high temperatures and high pressures, and it can involve complicated operations. In comparison, the photocatalytic conversion of CH4 to CH3OH is promising for achieving high yields and high selectivity for CH3OH, driven by solar energy, with a lower energy barrier and utilizing mild conditions. This review summarizes recent progress from four aspects: photocatalysts, oxidants, sacrificial reagents, and CH4 activation mechanisms in various photocatalytic systems, and the current status of the field and existing challenges are analyzed. We hope this review will provide useful insights to inspire future research and discoveries.