The role of heterogeneous reactions during the oxidative coupling of methane over Li/MgO catalysts

The role of heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions in the oxidative coupling of CH4 over Li/MgO was investigated by carrying out expts. at reduced pressure (60 Pa). The radical reactions occurring in the gas phase play an essential role in the C2+ selectivity of the process. A reaction model of consecutive reactions is confirmed. The selectivity of the active catalyst is mainly due to very high rates of Me radical prodn. which couple in the gas phase