"2014 Top 10 Science and Technology News of China" was announced in Beijing on January 31th, organized by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, elected by academicians of CAS and CAE. "A major breakthrough in the highly efficient conversion of methane" completed by the research team of Prof. Xinhe Bao was among one of them.

The results based on a new concept of "nano-confinement catalysis", constructing the lattice-confined single iron sites embedded within a silicide matrix, realizing nonoxidative conversion of methane, exclusively to ethylene, aromatics, hydrogen and high value chemicals. Compared with the traditional route of natural gas conversion, this technology completely abandon the high energy-consuming process to produce syngas, greatly reducing the process route, realizing zero emission of CO₂ with carbon utilization effciency of 100%. Related results were published in Science.

China/world's Top 10 Science and Technology News of China elected by academicians has been held 21 times since 1994. The candidate recommended by academicians, scientists and journalists at the end of the year. The activities have played a positive role for the public to understand the dynamics of scientific development in China and abroad, promotion and popularization of science and technology.

Meanwhile, the "2014 Annual Science Newsmaker of China" organized by "Science China Daily", "Sciencenet", "Medical Science Journal" and "Science News" also announced the results of a total of 10 people elected. Prof. Xinhe Bao was elected as "outstanding persons for technological innovation and scientific achievements transformation".

Resources from：http://www.dicp.ac.cn/xwzx/zhxw/201502/t20150202_4307772.html