Catalytic technologies for direct oxidation of methane to methanol: A critical tutorial on current trends, future perspectives, and techno-feasibility assessment

Our Earth planet has already started to experience climate change as a result of socioeconomic changes, and the planet's remaining fossil fuel sources are expected to run out soon. Consequently, it is of the utmost importance to develop advanced technologies that can eradicate emissions of greenhouse gases and introduce alternative energy sources. In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the environmental and economic benefits of converting methane to methanol via the direct oxidation of methane to methanol (DMTM). The development of efficient catalysts is still a significant barrier to the eventual commercialization of DMTM because of methane's inertness and over-oxidation. Therefore, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of the tunable and inherent interactions between catalyst components in order to enhance catalytic DMTM for high methanol production. Although DMTM has been the subject of extensive research, an inclusive review of efficient catalysts to increase methanol yield requires bridging a substantial knowledge gap. This article offers an up-to-date evaluation of the progress made in understanding the synergistic interactions between catalyst components (supports and active metals), active sites and physicochemical properties, and process parameters. Utilizing data from these crucial component interactions, successful studies and explanations of reaction pathways, catalytic activities, support/metal, and reactor configuration have been developed and elaborated. The DMTM process makes the production of methanol, a usable fuel, and chemical, economically and technologically feasible. This overview discusses the functions of catalysts and their industrial applications, which may inspire researchers to find new ways to enhance catalytic DMTM.