Catalytic Combustion of Methane: From Mechanism and Materials Properties to Catalytic Performance

Catalytic combustion of methane is a promising way of eliminating fugitive methane emissions to meet the rising requirement of the wide application of natural gas vehicles. The performance of catalysts for methane combustion has been found to be significantly affected by the variety of lattice defects, oxygen vacancies, and metal–support interactions which are connected with the category, morphology, and crystal type of both active components and supports. Choices of additives and preparation methods also play important roles in the catalytic combustion of methane. In this Review, we highlight the recent progress in the development and understanding of catalytic combustion of methane. Distinct mechanisms regarding catalytic combustion of methane, including the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism, the Eley–Rideal mechanism, and the Mars–van Krevelen mechanism, are first discussed. The effects of active components, supports, additives, and preparation methods on the properties of catalysts for methane combustion are then analyzed. From a practical point of view, the effects of the components of exhaust gas, which include carbon dioxide, water, sulfur compounds, and nitrogen-containing compounds, are also discussed. Finally, we provide a summary regarding the current situation and future prospects for the catalytic combustion of methane.