Advances and challenges in N2O valorization for alkane oxidative dehydrogenation to olefins

Valorization of nitrous oxide (N 2 O), a potent greenhouse gas, through the oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes such as methane and propane to produce light olefins (ethylene and propylene), presents a promising technique for both environmental mitigation and valuable chemical production. This review provides a systematic analysis of the differences between N 2 O and O 2 as oxidants, emphasizing the distinctive advantages of N 2 O as a mild oxidant for olefin production. It delves into key technologies, such as oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODHP) to propylene and oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) to ethylene, focusing on the underlying reaction mechanisms and recent advancements in catalyst development. A major challenge in these reactions is the trade-off between activity and selectivity. To address this, we propose an innovative strategy–redox center separation–to enhance catalytic performance. This comprehensive review offers valuable insights for the rational design of catalysts, advancing sustainable chemical engineering processes that utilize N 2 O, while addressing critical environmental and industrial challenges. • This review summarizes recent advances in N 2 O valorization/utilization in heterogeneous catalysis. • The difference between N 2 O and O 2 as an oxidant is presented in detail. • The key focus is on the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODHP) to produce propylene and the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) to produce ethylene. • Catalyst developments and reaction mechanisms driving these conversions are explored in detail, along with identifying key scientific issues. • A promising strategy is proposed to break activity-selectivity trade-off by separating redox centers in catalyst design.