Low‐Temperature Aerobic Photocatalysis for Light Alkane Upgrading

ABSTRACT The catalytic transformation of natural gas (primarily C 1 –C 3 light alkanes) into value‐added chemicals represents a fundamental research frontier in the energy and chemical industry, yet conventional approaches typically demand elevated temperatures to achieve considerable C–H bond activation and conversion. The utilization of molecular oxygen as an oxidant presents significant thermodynamic benefits, enabling the potential for low‐temperature aerobic conversion of light alkanes. However, oxidants also introduce challenges in inhibiting overoxidation and enhancing product selectivity. Photocatalysis, leveraging the distinctive capacity of photogenerated high‐energy charge carriers to selectively cleave strong C–H bonds, further circumvents reaction kinetics and selectivity limitations for converting inert light alkanes under mild conditions. In this Perspective, we focus particularly on the selective C–H bond activation in oxygen‐containing environment for the photocatalytic oxidation coupling of methane, while also reviewing recent advances in photocatalytic dehydrogenation of ethane and propane. We conclude by critically analyzing the current challenges and future opportunities in low‐temperature aerobic photocatalytic conversion of light alkanes.