Non-oxidative dehydro-oligomerization of methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons at low temperatures

Abstract

The non-oxidative dehydro-oligomerization of methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons such as aromatics and C2 hydrocarbons in a low temperature range of 773—973 K with Mo/HZSM-5, MeZr/HZSM-5 and Mo-W/HZSM-5 catalysts is studied. The means for enhancing the activity and stability of the Mecontaining catalysts under the reaction conditions is reported. Quite a stable methane conversion rate of over 10% with a high selectivity to the higher hydrocarbons has been obtained at a temperature of 973 K. Pure methane conversions of about 5.2% and 2.0 % have been obtained at 923 and 873 K, respectively. In addition, accompanied by the C2-C3 mixture, the methane reaction can be initiated even at a lower temperature and the conversion rate of methane is enhanced by the presence of the initiator of C2C3 hydrocarbons. Compared with methane oxidative coupling to ethylene, the novel way for methane transformation is significant and reasonable for its lower reaction temperatures and high selectivity to the desired products.