Methane conversion to higher hydrocarbons in a corona discharge over metal oxide catalysts with OH groups

The gas discharge promoted oxidative conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons over various metal oxide and zeolite catalysts was investigated over a wide range of temperatures (373-973 K). The most significant gas discharge effects were observed over catalysts containing polar OH groups. Significant methane conversions and C-2 yields were achieved at temperatures sufficiently low that no intrinsic catalytic activity for C-2 production was found in the absence of gas discharge, and the lower the gas temperature, the greater was the observed gas discharge effect on methane conversion. It is believed that the gas discharge effects depend on the gas temperature, the concentration of the OH groups and the acidity and basicity of the OH groups on the catalysts. A possible reaction mechanism for gas discharge promoted catalysis is presented. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.