NONOXIDATIVE METHANE CONVERSION INTO HIGHER HYDROCARBONS

Nonoxidative methane conversion into higher C-2(+) hydrocarbons with and without catalysts and initiators has been investigated. Under relatively mild conditions, when just a low methane conversion occurs heterogeneous catalysts and homogeneous initiators accelerate the methane transformation into higher hydrocarbons but reduce selectivity due to a coke formation. At more severe conditions providing an essential conversion of methane by the gas phase reaction catalysts and initiators has not affected on the methane conversion and only result in the selectivity decrease. The dependence of the C-2(+) hydrocarbons yield on contact time at different temperatures has been studied. It was shown by a thorough selection of temperature - contact time conditions the yield of C-2(+) hydrocarbons can be achieved as higher as 25 - 28% at selectivity 60 - 70 %.