A meta-analysis approach to reveal the consensual points in the development of materials for photocatalytic methane reform to methanol

Author(s)

Marques e Silva, Ricardo ; Dias, Eduardo Henrique ; da Silva, Marcos Augusto Ribeiro ; Mitsuyuki, Milene Corso ; de Oliveira, Jessica Ariane ; da Silva, Gelson Tiago dos Santos Tavares ; da Cruz, Jean Castro ; Ribeiro, Caue

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY; v. N/A, p. 14-pg., 2025-06-04.

Abstract

Significant methane reserves remain underutilized due to the challenges posed by the transition to a decarbonized economy. Consequently, methane combustion should be replaced by pathways that directly convert methane into high-value-added chemicals, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions. This represents a challenge in the current state of the art-particularly in photocatalytic materials, which can harness direct sunlight as an energy source. However, research lacks a consistent roadmap, which is essential to establish a consensus in the literature by statistically identifying promising catalytic materials and reaction pathways. To address this, we propose a meta-analytical study based on a systematic collection of relevant data from the literature to uncover consensus points in photocatalytic research focused on methane conversion to chemicals. The findings highlight challenges arising from the lack of standardization in reporting results and experimental conditions, which hinder proper comparisons between studies. Ultimately, the authors advocate for an in-depth discussion on the standardization of research methodologies, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to uniform protocols in experimental procedures and data reporting to ensure the reliability and comparability of results. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/13271-9 - Single atoms coordinated on graphitic carbon nitrides to photocatalytic conversion of methane
• Grantee: Marcos Augusto Ribeiro da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/01258-5 - Novel chemical catalytic and photocatalytic processes for the direct conversion of methane and CO2 to products
• Grantee: José Maria Correa Bueno
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/10255-5 - Architectures based on metal phosphides and nitrides for photo(electro)chemical conversion of CO2 into C2+ compounds
• Grantee: Gelson Tiago dos Santos Tavares da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/16560-4 - Simultaneous CO2 reduction and CH4 oxidation to fuels in a flow cell using MOx as catalysts
• Grantee: Eduardo Henrique Dias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 17/11986-5 - Generation and storage of New Energy: bringing technological development for the country
• Grantee: Ana Flávia Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
• FAPESP's process: 23/10268-2 - Developing metal phosphide catalysts for selective and high-rate CO2 electroreduction
• Grantee: Gelson Tiago dos Santos Tavares da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 19/21496-0 - Photoelectrochemical system design for CO2 and CH4 conversion to valuable products
• Grantee: Jéssica Ariane de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/10689-2 - Preparation of reaction systems for photocatalytic methane-to-methanol selective oxidation
• Grantee: Eduardo Henrique Dias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)