Direct catalytic conversion of methane

Processes are being developed for the direct catalytic oxidative conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons and oxygenates. The role of the catalyst in generating methyl radicals is established, and subsequent gas‐phase reactions are well understood. However, the role of several catalyst surface species remains a subject of interest. Application of present process technology using the most promising catalysts shows that direct methane conversion is not yet competitive with conventional processes. Increased yields of desirable products using new process configurations are required to obtain an economically viable process.