Thermochemical conversion of CH4 to C-2-hydrocarbons and H-2 over SnO2/Fe3O4/SiO2 in methane - Water co-feed system

Highly endothermic conversion of methane to C-2-hydrocarbons and hydrogen w as catalytically demonstrated over the SnO2/Fe3O4/SiO2 at 1173 K under co-f eeding of methane and steam. The main products were C2H4, C2H6, CO, CO2, an d hydrogen. At a low W/F value (a high GHSV), methane was selectively conve rted to C-2-hydrocarbons and hydrogen, while at a high W/F value (a low GHS V), steam reforming of methane to produce CO and hydrogen became dominant. At the GHSV = 4000-12000 h(-1), 87-94% of C-2 selectivity with 4-6% of meth ane conversion was obtained at the C-2-formation rate = 4-8 mmol-C h(-1) g( -1)-cat. This process offers the efficient conversion of natural gas to C-2 -hydrocarbon and hydrogen utilizing high-temperature heat such as concentra ted solar radiation below 1173 K.