Reactivity and Structure of Complex Sulfides in the Oxidative Methane Coupling with Soft Oxidants

• Applicant: Dr. Matthias Peter
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis ; Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: from 2014 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 265103752

Due to the abundance of methane in natural reserves and the high value of ethylene as raw material, the direct oxidative coupling of methane to ethylene is of high economical interest. First results on the use of sulfur gas as oxidant are promising but only few studies on a relatively narrow range of materials have been performed so far.The major aim of this study is to systematically explore different types of sulfides in the oxidative coupling of methane with soft oxidants such as sulfur gas in order to down-select the most active and selective catalysts for this reaction. Furthermore, it is proposed to perform measurements in which a reducing gas is mixed to the reactant feed. This could prevent the overoxidation to carbon disulfide. By combining the reactor measurements with microscopic and spectroscopic investigations, information on the catalytically active phase may be found and catalyst features which favor or disfavor a high conversion of methane to ethylene could be identified.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Tobin J. Marks