SELECTIVE OXIDATION OF METHANE TO C-2 HYDROCARBONS WITH MOLTEN-METAL OXIDE

The oxidative coupling of methane with molten mixture prepared by dissolving lead monoxide into lead metal or alkali salts was studied. It was found that low concentration (< 2 mol%) of lead monoxide in molten lead is effective for formation of C-2 hydrocarbons with the selectivity higher than 85%. By dissolving lead monoxide in molten alkali salt, the dispersibility of lead monoxide was enhanced and the conversion of methane was almost tripled. Li2CO3 was found to be most effective additive for making C-2 hydrocarbons from methane with high selectivity (> 95%).