| Abstract: | Composition modulation strategies for improving selectivity to the C2 products in the oxidative coupling of methane were investigated experimentally with Li2O/MgO and CeO/Li2O/MgO catalysts at about 100 kPa pressure and 750°C. Strategies used were 1) “methane cycling” between mixtures with different concentrations of CH4, 2) “oxygen cycling” between mixtures with different concentrations of oxygen, 3) bang-bang cycling (air-CH4), and 4) flushing the catalyst with an inert between exposures to reactants. Experimental C2 yields and ethylene to total C2 ratios showed that composition forcing is better with the Ce/Li/MgO catalyst. Methane cycling proved to be the best strategy explored. |
