Photothermal direct methane conversion to formaldehyde at the gas-solid interface under ambient pressure

Yuxiong Wang, Yaoyu Zhang, Xiaoqiang Wang, Yue Liu () and Zhongbiao Wu ()
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Yuxiong Wang: Zhejiang University
Yaoyu Zhang: Nanjing Normal University
Xiaoqiang Wang: Jiaxing University
Yue Liu: Zhejiang University
Zhongbiao Wu: Zhejiang University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Photocatalytic direct oxidation of methane to C1 oxygenates offers a green alternative to conventional energy-intensive and high-carbon-footprint multi-step processes. However, current batch-type gas–liquid–solid reaction systems under high-pressure conditions face critical challenges in real-time product separation and concentration for industrial implementation. Here, we demonstrate a continuous-flow gas–solid photothermal catalytic route for methane conversion to formaldehyde under ambient pressure, where the generated gas-phase formaldehyde can be easily collected by water absorption. The Ag single-atom modified ZnO photocatalyst achieves a formaldehyde production rate of 117.8 ± 1.7 μmol h−1 with 71.2 ± 0.8% selectivity. Meanwhile, a highly concentrated formaldehyde solution (514.2 ± 33.7 µmol mL−1, 1.54 ± 0.10 wt.%) is obtained through 12-hour water absorption, effectively overcoming the product enrichment barrier that plagues conventional batch reaction route. This study establishes a robust technological foundation for sustainable industrial-scale conversion of methane to value-added chemicals.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57854-y

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