Conversion of methane to methanol by an impulse discharge on the surface of water

Conversion of methane to methanol is established by using an impulse discharge on the water surface. Methane and water vapor are decomposed in the discharge to form methyl, hydroxyl, and oxygen radicals, which would react for methanol synthesis. The purpose of this study is to clarify the reaction process for an efficient generation of methanol from methane by controlling the discharge parameters1.