Strategies for the Direct Catalytic Valorization of Methane Using Heterogeneous Catalysis: Challenges and Opportunities

In this Perspective, we highlight the main challenges to be addressed in the development of heterogeneous catalysts for the direct functionalization of methane. Along with our personal view on current developments in this field, we outline the main mechanistic, engineering, and catalyst design issues that have hampered implementation of new technologies and highlight possible paths to overcome these problems.