Controlled oxidn. of methane to synthesise ethane and ethylene - by the use of microwave radiation and new catalysts

摘要

A new controlled catalytic process for the oxidn. of methane by microwaves, it is carried out in the presence of a catalyst which has electrical imbalances and geometric deformations in its structure which enable absorption of electro-magnetic energy in an electro-magnetic field. Also claimed are new catalysts designed for the process. The process is used for the prepn. of ethane and ethylene, by an adsorption reaction between CH4 and the catalyst surface (contg. O- ions) to give CH3 radicals and OH gps., the CH3 radicals then combining to give C2H6 with elimination of OH gps. as water. Further controlled oxidn. of C2H6 gives C2H4. ADVANTAGE - Oxidn. processes in prior art have not attained very high yields and selectivities, due to subsequent oxidn. of C2H6 and C2H4 to CO2 (x = 1 or 2). The invention obviates this disadvantage by operating at temps. 100-200 deg.C lower than have been used in conventional heating ovens and the use of mixed oxide catalysts. Global yields of 14.8% and selectivities up to 98% were attainable.