Chapter 6: Activation of Stable Molecules by Microwave Catalytic Processing

This chapter introduces the applications of microwave energy combined with heterogeneous catalysis for the conversion of stable molecules, such as CH₄, N₂ and CO₂, to value added chemicals. Experimental results show that methane and N₂ can be simultaneously activated in a single-stage microwave-heated reactor to form ammonia, ethylene, and acetylene at atmospheric pressure. Microwave irradiation can also induce oxidative dehydrogenation of methane and ethane using CO₂ as a mild oxidant. The chapter illustrates that microwave catalysis as a transformational technology has the potential to increase energy efficiency across various industries and decarbonize high GHG-emitting industrial subsectors including ammonia, ethylene and BTX.