SYNERGY BETWEEN STABLE CARBONATES AND YTTRIA IN SELECTIVE CATALYTIC-OXIDATION OF METHANE

The use of yttria as an oxidative coupling of methane catalyst leads to relatively high carbon monoxide selectivity. This behavior, identical to that found with thoria, is believed to be due to the absence of carbonate formation and the stability of surface superoxide on these two oxides. The addition of high temperature stable alkaline earth carbonates decreases CO synthesis activity while increasing overall catalytic activity.