Abstract: A method for the photocatalytic conversion of an oxygenated hydrocarbon such as methanol includes the step of forming a colloidal suspension of a metal oxide catalyst in an oxygenated hydrocarbon. The method also includes the step of irradiating the colloidal suspension with pulsed laser irradiation in the range of about 180 nm to 520 nm wavelength at about 150 mJ per pulse at a temperature at about 16° C. to 60° C. for a period of about 30 minutes or more.

Abstract: A method for the non-oxidative conversion of methane into hydrogen, in addition to C2 and higher hydrocarbons is disclosed. Pure methane is irradiated in a reaction zone which involves the multi-photon dissociation of methane under the influence of ultra-violet laser radiation at about 193 to about 400 nm, at room temperature and at a pressure ranging from 0.5 to 4 atmospheres. The products generated as a result of methane conversion are hydrogen and higher hydrocarbons which include ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and isobutene. A conversion of 7-10% was achieved. The hydrogen yield achieved in one hour exposure of methane at ambient temperature and one atmosphere of pressure was 6.6 mole %.