Abstract This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in catalytic processes to convert methane (a major component of natural gas) to more valuable hydrocarbons as fuels or chemicals. The scope is restricted to “direct” conversion, meaning that processes involving synthesis gas as an intermediate are not considered. Oxygenated products (e.g., alcohols) are also not considered. In all cases, the processes are concerned with catalytic dehydrogenation. The two most widely studied processes are oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) and methane dehydroaromatization (MDA). After reviewing the relevant catalysis literature, the paper goes on to review reactor implementations. Hydrogen- and/or oxygen-permeable membranes can potentially play valuable roles in improving methane conversion and product yields. Despite over 30 years of research, there are still no direct-conversion processes that can compete commercially with methane reforming followed by processes such as Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Thus, the future practical development and deployment of OCM and MDA will rely on the research and development of advanced catalysts and innovative processes. The present review helps to document the foundation on which the needed development can build.

中文翻译：

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甲烷直接催化转化为燃料和化学品的进展

摘要 本文回顾了将甲烷（天然气的主要成分）转化为更有价值的碳氢化合物作为燃料或化学品的催化过程的最新技术。范围仅限于“直接”转化，这意味着不考虑涉及合成气作为中间体的过程。含氧产品（例如醇类）也不在考虑范围内。在所有情况下，这些过程都与催化脱氢有关。研究最广泛的两个过程是甲烷氧化偶联 (OCM) 和甲烷脱氢芳构化 (MDA)。在回顾了相关的催化文献后，本文继续回顾反应器的实施。透氢和/或透氧膜可能在提高甲烷转化率和产品产率方面发挥重要作用。尽管经过 30 多年的研究，仍然没有直接转化工艺可以与甲烷重整和费托合成等工艺进行商业竞争。因此，OCM和MDA未来的实际开发和部署将依赖于先进催化剂和创新工艺的研发。目前的审查有助于记录所需开发可以建立的基础。