The oxidative coupling of methane

Summary The oxidative coupling of methane to C₂ hydrocarbons was studied over a Bi₂O₃–P₂O₅–K₂O catalyst. Catalysts containing Bi and P are known to be active and selective catalysts for the oxidative dimerization of propylene to 1,5-hexadiene. This catalyst system was found to also be active and selective for the oxidative coupling of methane. The experimental results are interpreted in terms of a dual-site, redox model. Methane activation to form CH₃. is proposed to occur on Bi sites. The Bi site is subsequently reoxidized by bulk oxide ions and P becomes the oxygen inlet site. Adsorbed surface oxygen species reduce the selectivity to C₂ hydrocarbons.