Oxidative transformations of methane: From the fixed bed to nanoreactors

Oxidative transformations of methane on a catalyst (0.9 wt % of La₂O₃ + 0.1 wt % of CeO₂)/MgO located inside the pores of a ceramic membrane occur at temperatures as low as 550°C with a high selectivity that was not previously observed, and terminate mainly with the formation of synthesis gas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen). The observed result is composed of the thermolysis reaction of methane yielding hydrogen and carbon, and comprises the subsequent reverse Buduar reaction. The reforming of carbon dioxide runs intensively when a methane-carbon dioxide mixture is fed into a membrane reactor at 650°C.