THE CONVERSION OF METHANE TO ETHYLENE AND ETHANE WITH NEAR TOTAL SELECTIVITY BY LOW-TEMPERATURE (LESS-THAN 610-DEGREES C) OXYDEHYDROGENATION OVER A CALCIUM-NICKEL-POTASSIUM OXIDE CATALYST

The catalytic oxidative coupling of methane to C2, C3 and C4 paraffins and olefins has been accomplished with close to 100% selectivity at methane conversions of about 10% per pass. Essentially no carbon oxides are formed and the mechanism appears to be a surface catalyzed reaction. Temperatures of < 600 ° C are used and the presence of steam is important. The catalyst comprises a ternary mixture of calcium, nickel and potassium oxides. Method of preparation and composition of the catalyst are critical for its performance. Presence of a carbidic carbon on the catalyst surface may be important. © 1990 J.C. Baltzer A.G. Scientific Publishing Company.