Oxidative coupling of methane over Li/MgO catalysts prepared by sol-gel and impregnation methods

Abstract

Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) to C2+ hydrocarbons was studied over a series of lithium-promoted magnesium oxide catalysts, prepared using different precursor salts for MgO, Li, and catalyst preparation methods (namely wet impregnation and sol-gel), under different reaction temperatures ranging from 675 to 825°C. The prepared catalysts were characterized by a variety of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed desorption of carbon dioxide, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and scanning electron microscopy. Catalytic activity and selectivity toward desired products over the Li/MgO catalysts depended on the precursors used, catalyst preparation method, and nature of synthesized catalysts.