Redox catalysts for chemical looping methane conversion

Methane is a promising candidate to achieve a crude-oil-independent supply of energy fuels and chemicals for the future. Among various methane conversion techniques, chemical looping methane conversion can realize the efficient utilization of methane with minimal environmental impacts and energy penalty. It is urgent to deepen understanding of redox catalysts that couple surface reaction and bulk oxygen transport to boost reaction performance. This review describes the progress in both the rational design of redox catalysts and the qualitative/quantitative study of oxygen release kinetics in chemical looping methane conversion. Furthermore, the generalized principles of redox catalyst design based on oxygen release kinetics are proposed for the development of chemical looping methane conversion processes.