Spontaneous and Selective Methane Oxidative Dimerization Using Catalytic Membrane Reactor--Eltron Research, Inc., 5660 Airport Boulevard, Boulder, CO 80301-2340; (303) 440-8008
Dr. James H. White, Principal Investigator
Ms. Eileen E. Sammells, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82572
Amount: $74,996

Techniques are being sought to develop environmentally benign, efficient processes for converting natural gas into valuable chemical feedstock. This project will investigate a more selective and efficient way of spontaneously converting natural gas into ethylene by using a novel membrane technology and catalysis. This approach would facilitate the spontaneous oxidative dimerization of methane to ethylene. The premise behind this approach is the recognition that the ability to efficiently promote the methane oxidative dimerization reaction for extended times is dependent in part upon introducing an appropriate population (or coverage) of oxygen species at the methane oxidation catalyst/membrane interface. In Phase I, conducting catalytic membrane disks will be prepared and their performance will be evaluated in reactor hardware used to promote spontaneous and selective methane oxidation dimerization. Preferred membrane components will then be incorporated into tubular reactors where their performance will be evaluated.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The exclusive and spontaneous conversion of methane to ethylene under conditions which circumvent carbon deposition at the reaction site would have significant economic benefits by lowering the cost of this important industrial feedstock material.