Nonoxidative methane activation by co-conversion of methane over metal containing zeolite catalysts

Chemical conversion of Norwegian natural gas resources (mainly methane) into higher value products, such as liquid fuels or chemical building blocks for petrochemistry is a scientifically demanding task. Current industrial processes rely on reacting metha ne with steam or oxygen. Recent research, however, has indicated that natural gas may be transformed into higher, aromatic hydrocarbons by co-reacting the methane with other hydrocarbons or alcohols over a certain class of catalytic materials. The most pr omising results have been obtained for metal containing (in particular Gallium) zeolites. Zeolites are inorganic materials composed primarily of silicon, aluminum, and oxygen, characterized by porosity (channels and cages) on a molecular scale. The aim o f the project is to obtain a more detailed understanding of the chemical reaction mechanism of the catalytic process described above, and thereby providing a fundament for addressing key challenges such as catalyst stability/deactivation and product selec tivity control. To reach this ambitious goal, a several experimental techniques must be combined. A primary task will be to construct appropriate experimental equipment allowing precise and efficient evaluation of the performance of the catalytic material s at controlled reaction conditions. Isotopic labeling experiments will clarify reaction pathways leading to both desired products and heavy hydrocarbon deposits (coke) leading to catalyst deactivation. Coke analyses will be performed by dissolving used c atalysts in hydrofluoric acid followed by chromatography. The chemical state of the metal will be investigated using sophisticated EXAFS spectroscopy in collaboration with industrial partner Haldor Topsøe A/S. Catalytic materials will be synthesized both at the Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo and in the laboratories of academic partner Prof. Christensen at the Danish Technical University.