THE PECULIARITIES OF N2O ACTIVATION OVER OXIDES OF ALKALI-EARTH METALS IN THE OXIDATIVE COUPLING OF METHANE

The catalytic properties of Na/CaO with a low amount of alkali promote r and SrO were studied under comparable conditions, using CH4-O-2 and CH4-N2O reaction mixtures. CH4 conversion was similar for both oxidant s (<5%). Nitrous oxide was shown to be more active and selective oxida nt than oxygen. It was noted that molecular oxygen influenced the rate of N2O decomposition over SrO, while for Na/CaO catalysts such effect was not observed. Two different schemes for N2O decomposition over ca talysts studied were found. Carbon dioxide decreases the production of ethane SrO when N2O is used as an oxidant.