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The Methanol Economy: Methane and Carbon Dioxide Conversion

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Abstract

Need for clean energy is imminent and methanol is considered as a promising alternative energy source. Conventional process for the production of methanol has been achieved via syngas which is derived by the steam reforming of methane or naphtha and the gasification of coal. Methanol can also be prepared by direct oxidation of methane (natural gas) or reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) with hydrogen. In this way, carbon-neutral cycling can be achieved and world’s dependence on fossil fuels will be alleviated. In this minireview, we will address case by case some recent advancements in the conversion of methane and CO2 to methanol both homogeneously and heterogeneously with emphasis on the contribution from Professor George A. Olah’s and our group. In the end, a short outlook is provided towards existing problems and future opportunities.

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Fig. 1
Fig. 2

a Adapted with permission from reference [42]. Copyright 2013 American Chemical Society; b–g adapted with permission from reference [37]. Copyright 2015 Springer Nature

Fig. 3

Adapted with permission from reference [44]. Copyright 2016 American Chemical Society

Fig. 4

a–c Adapted with permission from reference [55]. Copyright 2016 American Chemical Society; d, e adapted with permission from reference [52]. Copyright 2017 American Chemical Society

Fig. 5

a Adapted with permission from reference [68]. Copyright 2005 American Chemical Society; b adapted with permission from reference [69]. Copyright 2009 National Academy of Sciences

Fig. 6

a Adapted with permission from reference [71]. Copyright 2015 Springer Nature; b adapted with permission from reference [72]. Copyright 2017 Royal Society of Chemistry

Fig. 7

Adapted with permission from reference [77]. Copyright 2015, American Chemical Society

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Director, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geological, and Biosciences, U.S. Department of Energy, under Contract DEAC02-05CH11231.

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  1. Wen-Chi Liu and Jayeon Baek have contributed equally to the work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Kavli Energy Nanosciences Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA

    Wen-Chi Liu & Gabor A. Somorjai

  2. Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA

    Wen-Chi Liu & Gabor A. Somorjai

  3. Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA

    Jayeon Baek

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  1. Wen-Chi Liu
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Correspondence to Gabor A. Somorjai.

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Liu, WC., Baek, J. & Somorjai, G.A. The Methanol Economy: Methane and Carbon Dioxide Conversion. Top Catal 61, 530–541 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-018-0907-4

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