One-Pot Conversion of Methane to Light Olefins or Higher Hydrocarbons through H-SAPO-34-Catalyzed in Situ Halogenation

Methane was converted to light olefins (ethene and propene) or higher hydrocarbons in a continuous flow reactor below 375 degrees C over H-SAPO-34 catalyst via an in situ halogenation (chlorination/bromination) protocol. The reaction conditions can be efficiently tuned toward selective monohalogenation of methane to methyl halides or their in situ oligomerization to higher hydrocarbons. The presence of C5+ hydrocarbons in the reaction products clearly indicates that by using a properly engineered catalyst under optimized reaction conditions, hydrocarbons in the gasoline range can be produced. This approach has significant potential for feasible application in natural gas refining to gasoline and materials under moderate operational conditions.