Oxygen-free dehydroaromatization of methane over Mo-based catalysts supported on MCM-41 and MCM-22

Oxygen-free dehydroaromatization of methane to benzene over Mo-based catalysts supported on MCM-41 and MCM-22 has been investigated. We herein report a new catalyst preparation procedure that involves low temperature vapor deposition of Mo in zero-valent state, using Mo(CO) 6 as precursor. In situ -carburization of Mo, using CH 4 /H 2 gas mixture led to the formation of catalytically active Mo x C species. Mo/MCM-22 was found to be highly active as almost equilibrium methane conversions were obtained both at 600 and 700°C. This catalyst was also highly selective for benzene formation at both temperature.