Methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas [1] , is a major contributor to global warming, characterized by its high global warming potential [2], which is 25 times greater than that of CO₂ over a 100-year period. The atmospheric concentration of methane has increased alarmingly, rising from pre-industrial levels of approximately 700 parts per billion (ppb) to over 1,800 ppb today. Traditional mitigation strategies have focused on emission reduction from the emission sources. However, the current challenge lies in addressing the atmospheric methane concentration [3], which, even at levels as low as 2 ppm, significantly contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect. Conventional methane conversion methods [4] , such as thermal catalysis, require high temperatures (over 400°C) and are energy-intensive, consuming approximately 35-55 MJ/kg of methane processed [5]. These methods are less effective at ambient conditions [6-9] due to methane's chemical stability and the low reactivity of molecular oxygen at these temperatures. The development of more energy-efficient conversion methods at ambient temperatures remains a critical need but faces economic and scalability challenges.

This proposal aims to address the inefficiencies of existing methane conversion processes, which are energy-intensive and economically unviable for low-concentration methane. The objectives include:

• Developing an efficient bioinspired catalytic system (Figure 1) for conversion at ambient temperatures, aimed at addressing the challenges posed by low methane concentrations in the atmosphere.
• Utilizing natural airflow to minimize energy requirements (currently 40 kWh per kg of CH₄).
• Undertaking a comprehensive techno-economic analysis to evaluate the system’s energy efficiency, operational costs, and potential for scale-up.

Key success factors will include:

• Achieving high catalytic efficiency and selectivity at low concentrations.
• Effective integration within a natural airflow-based device, reducing the energy demands.
• Demonstrating economic feasibility, considering both capital and operational costs.

Metrics for success will be measured in terms of:

• Methane conversion efficiency and product purity.
• Energy consumption, scalability, and economic analysis of the system.
• Environmental impact, including a life cycle assessment.

The proposed research aims to make a significant breakthrough in atmospheric methane removal, focusing on low-concentration methane conversion at ambient temperatures [10, 11]. By developing a novel approach that combines the low-temperature catalysis with scalable fiber-based methane capture technology, this project seeks to establish a new paradigm in methane mitigation strategies. Success in this endeavor could lead to a scalable and environmentally sustainable solution for reducing atmospheric methane levels. By addressing the limitations of high energy consumption and costs, typically exceeding 40 kWh/kg of methane for existing technologies, this project offers the potential for a cost-effective solution. Overall, this research not only holds promise for substantial environmental benefits but also sets a new direction in the field of sustainable atmospheric management.