an apparatus and method for converting methane to methanol by partial oxidation comprises a source of methane , a source of oxygen , and a capillary tube having an outflow end and an inflow end communicating with the sources of methane and oxygen . an anode is positioned proximate to but spaced from the capillary tube . a voltage source negatively biases the capillary tube relative to the anode . a plasma jet flows from the outflow end of the capillary tube . the methane partially oxidizes into methanol in a reaction zone in the plasma jet . a collector receives the methanol in the plasma jet for subsequent condensation , separation and purification .