CATALYTIC SYNTHESIS OF METHANOL AND FORMALDEHYDE BY PARTIAL OXIDATIONOF METHANE

The recent literature concerning the partial oxidation of methane to m ethanol and formaldehyde is reviewed, with particular attention to adv ances made since 1985. A number of topics are discussed in detail incl uding approaches that can be taken in ranking catalyst performance as well as the extensive literature concerning simple oxide and supported oxide catalysts. It is considered that novel experimental approaches are required if high selectivity of commercial significance is to be a chieved. Against this background the design methods for novel material s and alternative experimental approaches are highlighted.