Work

Direct nonoxidative methane conversion ceramic membrane reactor with in-situ coke removal

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Direct Non-oxidative Methane Conversion (DNMC) is a promising technology to convert abundant methane (CH 4 ) into more valuable olefin and aromatic chemicals (C 2+ ) and hydrogen (H 2 ). However, commercialization has been hindered by severe carbon deposition and low CH 4 conversion. Here, we demonstrate an Fe@SiO 2 DNMC catalyst integrated with a mixed proton, oxide-ion, and electron conducting membrane (SrCe 0.7 Zr 0.2 Eu 0.1 O 3-ⴃ ) that significantly improves single-pass CH 4 conversion and C 2+ product yield (∼20 % each) due to in-situ H 2 product removal through the membrane (Le Châtelier effect), and reactor lifetime due to in-situ carbon oxidation. The in-situ coke removal is achieved by simultaneous oxygen permeation from the membrane air sweep side resulting in only 4 wt% carbon deposition after 350 h of operation as compared to 70 wt% after 40 h for same catalyst in fixed bed reactor, thus dramatically improving catalyst durability.

Source: Chemical Engineering Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.171975

Authors: Qiming Tang, Muhammad Saqib, Aniqa Anjum, Keith Duncan, Eric D. Wachsman

Institution: University of Maryland, College Park

Language: English

Topic: Catalysis and Oxidation Reactions

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,830