(265f) Methane Conversion towards Liquid Fuel Production Over Promoted Mo/MFI Catalyst: Effect of Zinc, Tungstan, Galuim

Methane is the major component, most stable and symmetric organic molecule with four C–H bonds and bond energy = 435 kJ/mol has been a challenge for conversion on the aspect of catalysis science. Among catalytic conversion of methane in indirect processes rely upon the production of synthesis gas, either by reforming reaction or by partial oxidation, followed by FT chemistry. Methane can be converted directly to the desired products, e.g. olefins, aromatics and products with higher added value can eliminate the intermediate costlier step of production of synthesis gas. Direct conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbon can be an effective process to solve the problem of natural gas utilization. In this work, four different catalysts namely 3%Mo/MFI, 3%Mo/1%Zn/MFI, 3%Mo/1%W/MFI and 3%Mo/3%Ga/MFI were synthesized by incipient impregnation method. The effects of metal promoters Zn, W and Ga on methane conversion in the presence of trace amount of methanol over 3%Mo/MFI catalysts has been investigated. The synergistic effect is exhibited in 1%Ga-3%Mo/MFI catalyst on which a high methane conversion of 21.3 % is achieved as compared to other catalyst. Detailed characterization of the catalysts prepared by incipient impregnation method have been analyzed in terms of BET surface area, pore volume, BJH isotherm, TPR, TPD,SEM-EDX, TEM, and XRD. Coke (%) deposition during the course of reaction was determined by TGA/DTA analysis. The activity test of different catalysts was carried out in the temperature range of 650 to 800 ^OC.