Models of The Direct Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Light Alkanes

Abstract

Application of homogeneous kinetic models to methane activation indicates that the higher hydrocarbon yield may be limited by homogeneous oxidation of methyl radical intermediates. In this paper, we discuss the development of a model that describes the homogeneous and heterogeneous chemistry involved in the selective oxidation of methane and light alkanes and the impact of this chemistry on alkene and higher alkane yields. We also present experimental results for methane activation and ethane dehydrogenation using stable non-volatile catalysts composed of alkaline and rare earth carbonates supported by refractory complex oxides.