Steady-state conversion of methane to C4+ aliphatic products in high yields using an integrated recycle reactor system

Conversion of methane in high yields to C₄₊ nonaromatic hydrocarbons was demonstrated in a recycle system. The principal components of the recycle system included an oxidative coupling reactor with a Mn/Na₂WO₄/SiO₂ catalyst at 800°C for conversion of methane to ethylene, and a reactor with an H-ZSM-5 zeolite at 275°C for subsequent conversion of ethylene to higher hydrocarbons. Total yields of C₄₊ products were in the range of 60–80%, and yields of C₄₊ nonaromatic hydrocarbons were in the range of 50–60%. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.