Conversion of Methane to Value-Added Hydrocarbons via Modified Fischer-Tropsch Process Using Hybrid Catalysts

Typically, the conversion of methane to value-added hydrocarbon (C2+) via the oxidative coupling of methane is accomplished using high energy due to the temperature of the operation (more than 700 degrees C). The conversion of methane to C2+ was investigated using a hybrid catalyst consisting of 15 wt% of Ni on Al2O3 (15Ni/Al2O3) and 10-25 wt% of Co supported on Al2O3 (Co/Al2O3) packed as a prioritized layer in a reactor. The effects of operating conditions-different Co loading in Co/Al2O3, reactor pressure and temperature, percentage of O-2 in the feed, total feed flow rate, and different weights of Co/Al2O3-on the performance of the hybrid catalyst were studied for the reaction. The highest performance (3.6% C2+ yield with 7.9% C2+ selectivity and 46.3% CH4 conversion) of the hybrid catalyst was achieved at 6 bar, 490 degrees C, 37.5% of O-2 in the feed, a total flow rate of 50 ml/min, and using 0.25 g of 15Ni/Al2O3 and 0.1 g of 15 wt% of Co/Al2O3 (15Co/Al2O3). The prepared catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N-2-sorption analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, NH3- and CO2-temperature-programmed desorption, and thermogravimetric analysis to acquire the chemical and physical properties of the catalysts. A time-on-stream testing of the optimized hybrid catalyst for 24 h was performed to determine the stability of the catalyst and revealed that the formation of coke caused rapid deactivation of the catalyst. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The conversion of methane to value-added hydrocarbon C2+ was studied using a hybrid catalyst and the oxidative coupling of methane. The optimal conditions and performance of the hybrid catalyst were determined.