Concepts of Methane Activation

Abstract

Methane is a highly abundant resource for energy applications. Presently we use most of it for generating heat whereas a smaller amount is used as a chemical feedstock for hydrogen through steam reforming and an even smaller amount is used as a carbon source. The chemical activation of methane is a difficult challenge due to both the inertness of the molecule and the reactivity of any activation product. This contribution gives an account of current trends of research and critically reviews the insights gained from the vast body of research documented also in other chapters of the present monograph.