Catalytic conversion of methane to benzene over Mo/ZSM-5

Dehydroaromatization of methane to benzene occurs over a 2 wt% Mo/ZSM-5 catalyst at 700 degrees C under non-oxidizing conditions. Following an initial induction period, during which CH4 reactant reduces the original Mo6+ ions in the zeolite to Mo2C and deposition of coke occurs, a benzene selectivity of similar to 70% at a CH4 conversion of 8-10% could be sustained for more than 16 h. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction measurements indicate that the reduced Mo is highly dispersed in the channels of the zeolite. Initial activation of CH4 reactant occurs on Mo2C sites, leading to the formation of C2H4 as the primary product. The latter then undergoes subsequent oligomerization reactions on acidic sites of the zeolite to form aromatic products.