| Methane, the primary component of natural gas, coalbed methane, shale gas, and biogas, is highly valued in the chemical industry due to its high calorific value. The selective conversion of methane into value-added chemicals presents a more environmentally friendly alternative. However, significant challenges remain in exploring activation and catalysis processes under mild reaction environments. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the research progress on the low-temperature catalytic conversion of methane into value-added chemicals, using molecular oxygen as an oxidant. It delves into the fundamental principles and design strategies of catalysts for the direct oxidation of methane into value-added oxygenates, from various aspects. These include zeolite catalysts, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) catalysts, oxide catalysts, single-atom catalysts, and palladium-based catalysts. The paper also offers detailed explanations and discussions from the perspectives of active centers and types of catalysts. Finally, it suggests the potential of methane in producing chemicals under mild conditions, emphasizing the challenges of achieving high yields of desired products and proposing possible solutions briefly. |