Enhanced photocatalytic conversion of methane to methanol using a porous semiconductor membrane

摘要

A method and apparatus for the conversion of methane in solution or gas provides photochemical conversion in a unique two-phase or three- phase boundary system formed in each pore of a semiconductor membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In a three-phase system, gaseous oxidant, methane contained in a liquid, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst having a metal catalyst disposed thereon meet and engage in an efficient conversion reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that of a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors.