Catalysts and Membrane for Selective Methane Oxidative Dimerization

70249 Ethylene is a widely used chemical feedstock material, and a more selective and efficient way of spontaneously converting natural gas into ethylene is needed. This project will apply novel membrane technology and catalysis to facilitate the spontaneous oxidative dimerization of methane to ethylene. The approach is based on recognizing that the efficient methane oxidative dimerization reaction over an extended time is dependent in part upon the introduction of an appropriate population (or coverage) of oxygen species at the methane oxidation catalyst/membrane interface. The catalysis will utilize amphoteric materials that provide higher selectivity than superbase catalysts. In Phase I, mixed conducting catalytic membrane tubes will be fabricated and their ability to promote spontaneous and selective methane oxidation dimerization will be evaluated in reactor hardware. Preferred membrane components will then be optimized. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A catalytic membrane technology for the exclusive and spontaneous conversion of methane to ethylene, under conditions that circumvent carbon deposition at the reaction site, should provide significant economic and technical benefits by lowering the cost of this important chemical.