DIRECT CONVERSION OF METHANE TO METHANOL AND FORMALDEHYDE OVER A DOUBLE-LAYERED CATALYST BED IN THE PRESENCE OF STEAM

Using a double-bed reactor configuration with an up-stream 1 mass% SO4 2-/1 mass% SrO/La2O3 catalyst to generate methyl radicals and a down-s tream 1 mass% V2O5/SiO2 catalyst to stabilize the methyl radicals for reaction to form hydrolysable methoxide species, the methanol and form aldehyde space-time yields are increased up to five-fold for partial o xidation of methane in the presence of air and steam at moderate tempe ratures of 550-600 degrees C as compared with the single-bed 1 mass% V 2O5/SiO2 catalyst, while little of these oxygenates are formed over a mechanically mixed catalyst bed.