Oxidative conversion of methane on lanthanum-containing hydroxychloride catalysts

Abstract

The activity of lanthanum-containing oxide and hydroxychloride catalysts in oxidative condensation of methane has been studied. It has been established that modification of La₂O₃ with sodium (NaCl) and application on Al₂O₃ leads to high selectivity of the process. Selectivity with respect to C₂ hydrocarbons at 760°C amounts to 84% with 20·4% methane conversion. Catalyst NaClLaO/Al₂O₃ is multiphase, and NaCl, LaOCl and LaAlO₃ phases coexist in reaction conditions. As the reaction progresses there is a change in the phase composition and selectivity of the catalyst.