Scientists find cheap way to turn gases into liquids

A research group from ShanghaiTech University has developed a novel method of using light to transform methane, ethane and other gases into valuable liquid products.

A paper describing the technique - Selective Functionalization of Methane, Ethane, and Higher Alkanes by Cerium Photocatalysis - was published in Science recently.

"The finding provides a new, sustainable and mild catalytic platform for natural gas utilization, and will lead to more applications in the energy and chemical industries," said Zuo Zhiwei, one of the authors of the paper. Zuo is an assistant professor at ShanghaiTech University's physical science and technology school.