FE2O3 LICL CATALYSTS FOR METHANE ACTIVATION

Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) has been studied on a LiCl-promote d Fe2O3 catalyst (atomic ratio Fe:Li = 4:1). LiFe5O8 exists in the fre sh catalyst calcined at 1073 K. alpha-Fe2O3 is reduced to non-stoichio metric magnetite, and LiFe5O8 existing in the fresh catalyst calcined at 1073 K is partially reduced to Fe3O4 and converted to LiFeO2. Low s electivity in OCM to ethane and ethylene has been attributed to consum ption of the LiCl promoter in a bulk interaction, resulting in the for mation of new ferrite phases, which favour the destructive oxidation o f methane.