Despite the potential benefits, methane conversion faces several challenges:
1. Thermodynamic Stability: Methane is a very stable molecule, and breaking its C-H bonds requires significant energy input, making the conversion processes energy-intensive.
2. Selectivity: Achieving high selectivity for the desired products is difficult due to the variety of possible reactions and products that can form during the conversion process.
3. Catalyst Deactivation: Catalysts used in methane conversion are prone to deactivation due to coking (carbon deposition) and sintering (loss of active surface area), which reduces their efficiency over time.
4. Environmental Impact: Some methane conversion processes, such as steam reforming, produce large amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
