Activation of Methane by Gaseous Metal Ions

摘要

Methane is one of the most ubiquitous feedstocks available in large amounts from petrological as well as biogenic resources. Its economic use for purposes other than mere combustion remains a conceptual problem, however. Steam reforming converts methane into syngas [Eq. (1)] from which methanol can be produced in a second step [Eq. (2)]; the CO:H2 ratio of the syngas can be adjusted by the water-gas-shift reaction. While the technology of this process is well developed, investment volumes are large and smaller sources of methane cannot be exploited this way.