Water is key in catalytic conversion of methane to methanol

Scientists reveal new details that explain how a highly selective catalyst converts methane, the main component of natural gas, to methanol, an easy-to-transport liquid fuel and feedstock for making plastics, paints, and other commodity products. The findings could aid the design of even more efficient/selective catalysts to make methane conversion an economically viable and environmentally attractive alternative to venting or flaring 'waste' gas.

from Top Technology News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2zLXokZ