A Review of Electrified Methane Conversion: Utilizing Electrocatalysis, Plasma, Electric-Field and Electro-Thermal Technologies.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas and a major component of natural gas, holds immense potential as a feedstock for producing value-added chemicals and fuels. This review examines recent advancements in electrified methane conversion technologies, emphasizing sustainable approaches to mitigate emissions while enabling efficient utilization. The paper explores key methods, including electrocatalysis, plasma-driven reactions, and electrothermal processes, which leverage renewable electricity to activate methane under mild conditions. Special focus is given to catalyst design, reactor configurations, and process integration, highlighting improvements in selectivity, energy efficiency, and scalability. These technologies offer promising pathways to decarbonize industrial processes and transition toward a circular economy, aligning with global climate and energy goals. By addressing current challenges and identifying future research directions, this review aims to advance the field of methane valorization and support the development of greener chemical manufacturing strategies.