Direct conversion of methane to value-added hydrocarbons using alkali metal-promoted cobalt catalysts
Sarannuch Sringam, Punyanut Thansiriphat, Thongthai Witoon, Waleeporn Donphai, Metta Chareonpanich, Chularat Wattanakit, Hiesang Sohn, Nevzat Yigit, Günther Rupprechter, Anusorn Seubsai
The oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is a promising pathway for directly converting methane into higher hydrocarbons (C<sub>2+</sub>). This research investigated the influence of alkali metal promoters (Li, Na, K, or Rb) on Co/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> catalysts prepared based on incipient wetness impregnation for the OCM reaction. The catalyst investigations demonstrated that the catalysts promoted with K and Rb had superior performance, with the 4.6K-Co/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> catalyst achieving a maximum C<sub>2+</sub> yield of 8.1%, C<sub>2+</sub> selectivity of 24.0%, and CH<sub>4</sub> conversion of 32.1% at 640 °C. Catalyst characterization, based on XRD, HR-TEM, BET, XPS, CO<sub>2</sub>-TPD, and H<sub>2</sub>-TPR analyses, revealed the structural and physicochemical properties responsible for the enhanced catalytic activity. Specifically, K and Rb promoters increased surface basicity and enhanced the electron density of active sites, thereby promoting selective methane activation. <i>In-situ</i> DRIFTS and mechanistic studies highlighted the role of reactive oxygen species in promoting C<sub>2+</sub> hydrocarbon formation. These results should position K-Co/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> as a promising catalyst for OCM and provide valuable guidance for designing more efficient catalytic systems for methane utilization.
https://doi.org/10.1039/d5ra02408k
Methane
Catalysis
Alkali metal
Cobalt
Chemistry
Yield (engineering)
Inorganic chemistry
Metal
Organic chemistry
Materials science
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