Comparison of Alkali Metal Promoted MgO Catalysts for Their Surface Acidity/Basicity and Catalytic Activity/Selectivity in the Oxidative Coupling of Methane

Alkali metal (viz. Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs) promoted MgO catalysts (with an alkali metal/Mg ratio of 0·1) calcined at 750°C have been compared for their surface properties (viz. surface area, morphology, acidity and acid strength distribution, basicity and base strength distribution, etc.) and catalytic activity/selectivity in the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) to C2-hydrocarbons at different temperatures (700–750°C), CH4/O2 ratios (4·0 and 8·0) in feed, and space velocities (10320 cm3 g−1 h−1). The surface and catalytic properties of alkali metal promoted MgO catalysts are found to be strongly influenced by the alkali metal promoter and the calcination temperature of the catalysts. A close relationship between the surface density of strong basic sites and the rate of C2-hydrocarbons formation per unit surface area of the catalysts has been observed. Among the catalysts calcined at 750°C, the best performance in the OCM is shown by Li–MgO (at 750°C). © 1997 SCI.