A group of researchers has succeeded in converting methane into methanol using light and dispersed transition metals such as copper in a process known as photo-oxidation. According to an article reporting the study published in Chemical Communications, the reaction was the best obtained to date for conversion of methane gas into liquid fuel under ambient conditions of temperature and pressure (25 °C and 1 bar respectively).
source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/scientists-reveal-method-of-converting-methane-gas-into-liquid-methanol