REACTIVITY OF METHANE OVER Ga-HZSM-5 ZEOLITE CATALYST

Abstract

The direct conversion of methane to liquid hydrocarbons either over metal catalyst or zeolite catalyst is so far not successful in achieving the methane conversion and liquid hydrocarbons selectivity within the economic range. The present research concern is directed towards modifying HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst with the oxidative element to produce an active bi-functional oxidative-acid catalyst. This modification method has shown an improvement in the catalytic activity and product selectivity. The HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst was modified by an acidic ion exchange method to produce the Ga-HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst. The effect of different reaction temperatures on the catalytic activity of Ga-HZSM-5 catalyst was studied. Direct oxidation of mixture of methane and oxygen over the catalyst was carried out in a micro packed bed reactor. The liquid and gas products were analyzed by gas chromatography. The optimum reaction temperature at GHSV of 6000 hr-1 was observed at 800c in order to obtain the optimum output.