Chem. J. Chinese Universities

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Analysis of High Value Methane Conversion Pathways in the Context of Carbon Neutrality

LAI Lina 1,2#, BAO Yunxin 3#, WANG Yiming 4, FAN Jie3   

  1. 1. School of Law, Hangzhou Dianzi University

    2. Institute of Intellectual Property, Hangzhou Dianzi University

    3. Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Synthesis of Value-Added Chemicals, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University 4. Patent Examination Cooperation (Jiangsu) Center of the Patent Office

  • Received:2025-04-23 Revised:2025-06-16 Online First:2025-06-23 Published:2025-06-23
  • Contact: Jie Fan E-mail:jfan@zju.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Supported by the National Social Science Post Foundation of China grant (No. 24FFXB056) and Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education Research Project grant (No. Y202455057) and National Natural Science Foundation of China grant (No.92045301, 91845203)

Abstract: As a pivotal chemical feedstock, methane is characterized by its abundant reserves, cost-effectiveness, and renewability. In the context of global carbon neutrality and net-zero emission initiatives, developing high-value conversion pathways for methane—such as hydrogen production, methanol synthesis, olefin/aromatic generation, and clean fuel manufacturing—has emerged as a strategic approach to maximize its utilization potential. Significant research efforts have been directed toward establishing energy-efficient and economically viable conversion systems to maximize utilization efficiency of its carbon and hydrogen atom. This review systematically examines recent advancements in methane conversion technologies for high-value chemical synthesis, and conduct a statistical analysis of relevant literature and patents on different conversion pathways based on thermal catalysis. With these foundational assessments, we further discuss the future challenges and prospects of methane conversion.

Key words: Climate change, Carbon neutrality, Methane conversion; Thermal catalysis, High value chemicals

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