Recent advances on aerobic photocatalytic methane conversion under mild conditions

Photocatalytic methane conversion to high value-added chemicals under mild conditions acts as a promising approach to utilize natural gas and renewable energy. Specifically, aerobic photocatalytic methane conversion that uses molecular oxygen as oxidant has attracted much attention because it is thermodynamic favorable and could generate various reactive oxygen species, resulting in many value-added products like methanol, formaldehyde, ethane, and ethylene. In this review, we classify the aerobic photocatalytic methane conversion into aerobic photocatalytic partial oxidation of methane (APPOM) and aerobic photocatalytic coupling of methane (APCM). We particularly focus on the fundamentals of oxygen activation and methane reaction modes in these conversions. Finally, we provide a brief summary for current challenges and future prospects towards aerobic photocatalytic methane conversion.