Breakthrough in the direct conversion of methane into c(1)-oxygenates

The partial oxidation of methane to CH3OH and HCHO (C-1-oxygenates) was evaluated over a low surface area V2O5/ SiO2 catalyst. The introduction of low amounts of NO (0-2.92 %vol) to the reaction feed strongly enhanced both the conversion of methane and selectivity to Cl-oxygenates. In the presence of NO, both the reaction temperature and the CH4/O-2 ratio affected selectivity to CH3OH and HCHO. Selectivity values of C-1-oxygenates as high as 40% at a methane conversion close to 40% were obtained.