Energy efficient process for upgrading light hydrocarbons and novel oxidative coupling catalysts

摘要

A process for converting a gaseous reactant comprising methane or natural gas to higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products is disclosed which comprises: (1) contacting said gaseous reactant with an oxidative coupling catalyst at a reaction temperature of at least about 900° C. for an effective period of time to form an intermediate product comprising ethane, ethylene or a mixture thereof, said catalyst being characterized by a melting point above said reaction temperature; and (2) pyrolyzing said intermediate product at a temperature of at least about 900° C. for an effective period of time to form said higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products using exothermic heat generated by the formation of said intermediate product. Novel oxidative-coupling catalysts having melting points above about 900° C. are also disclosed.