Direct photocatalytic conversion of methane to value-added chemicals

Direct conversion of methane to value-added chemicals provides a promising alternative to industrial energy-intensive processes, but still faces many technological and economical challenges. Heterogeneous photocatalysis possesses great promise to drive direct methane conversion under mild conditions. In this review, we present the latest advances in direct photocatalytic conversion of methane to liquid oxygenates and higher hydrocarbons, with an emphasis on the strategies for the rational design of photocatalysts to improve the activity and selectivity of the desired products, and discuss the current challenges and our perspectives on opportunities for further development of photocatalytic systems that can enable highly selective and efficient conversion of methane to valuable chemicals.