Lithium/magnesium oxide catalyst and method of making
AssigneeThe Texas A&M University System
InventorsJack H. Lunsford, Paul G. Hinson
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Abstract
An improved method for preparing a catalyst which is superior for converting methane to ethane and ethylene is described. The method involves mixing a solution of a magnesium alkoxide in alcohol with a solution of a lithium compound in alcohol. Preferably, chlorine is introduced into the mixture. A solution of an aluminum alkoxide in an alcohol may also be added to the mixture. The magnesium alkoxide hydrolyzed to produce a gel, and the gel is then calcined to produce the catalyst. Catalysts prepared by this method are superior for converting methane to ethane and ethylene, and have superior selectivities for ethylene and ethane over conventional lithium carbonate/magnesium oxide catalysts.
Claims18
A method for preparing a catalyst which is effective for converting methane to ethane and ethylene comprising:
- a) mixing a solution of a magnesium alkoxide in an alcohol with a solution containing a source of lithium in an alcohol, to obtain a ratio of magnesium metal to lithium metal;
- b) hydrolyzing the magnesium alkoxide in the solution to form a gel;
- and
- c) calcining the gel to form a catalyst which is effective for converting methane to ethane and ethylene.
A method for preparing a catalyst which is effective for converting methane to ethane and ethylene comprising:
- a) mixing a solution of a magnesium alkoxide in an alcohol with a solution containing a source of lithium in an alcohol, to obtain a ratio of magnesium metal to lithium metal;
- b) introducing an effective amount of chlorine to the mixture;
- c) hydrolyzing the magnesium alkoxide in the solution to form a gel;
- and
- d) calcining the gel to form a catalyst which is effective for converting methane to ethane and ethylene.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.