Catalyst for the oxidative coupling of methane with low feed temperatures

A system for oxidative coupling of methane comprising:

• a source of methane;
• a source of oxygen;
• a catalytic material, wherein the catalytic material comprises
• a catalyst with the formula AaBbCcOx, and wherein:
• A is selected from alkaline earth metals;
• B and C are selected from rare earth metals, and wherein
• B and C are different rare earth metals;
• and
• the oxide of at least A, B, and C has basic, redox, or both basic and redox properties, and wherein the elements A, B, and C are selected to create a synergistic effect whereby the catalytic material provides an oxygen conversion of greater than or equal to 50% and a C2+ selectivity of greater than or equal to 70%, and wherein the catalyst provides the oxygen conversion and selectivity at a temperature of 797° F. (425° C.) or greater, and
• wherein the catalytic material produces ethane, ethylene, or combinations thereof;
• and
• a device for collecting the ethane, ethylene, or combinations thereof.

A method for the oxidative coupling of methane comprising:

• providing a source of methane;
• providing a source of oxygen;
• contacting the source of methane and the source of oxygen with
• a catalytic material, wherein the catalytic material comprises
• a catalyst with the formula AaBbCcOx, and wherein:
• A is selected from alkaline earth metals;
• B and C are selected from rare earth metals, and wherein
• B and C are different rare earth metals;
• and
• the oxide of at least A, B, and C has basic, redox, or both basic and redox properties, and wherein the elements A, B, and C are selected to create a synergistic effect whereby the catalytic material provides an oxygen conversion of greater than or equal to 50% and a C2+ selectivity of greater than or equal to 70%, and wherein the catalyst provides the oxygen conversion and selectivity at a temperature of 797° F. (425° C.) or greater, and
• wherein the catalytic material produces ethane, ethylene, or combinations thereof after contact with the source of methane and the source of oxygen;
• and
• collecting the ethane, ethylene, or combinations thereof.