Hydrogen acceptor and membrane concepts for direct methane conversion

Condensation of methane in the presence of a (titanium) to ethane and titaniumdihydride gives a thermodynamic conversion of 60% (P_CH4 = 1 atm, T = 400 K). Experiments with Ti as the acceptor together with Pt/Sn, Rh or Ni catalysts, give, however, a methane conversion in the range of 1% with coke as the main product.

In order to explore the possibility of methane conversion by a , titanium and palladium as a have also been theoretically investigated. Assuming diffusion limitation, up to 1.8 g ethane/m²·h (T = 400 K, Δx = 0.03 cm, equilibrium at P = 4 bar) may be produced in the case of palladium. Exploratory experiments show very low conversion of methane with coke as the main product.