Thermodynamics and kinetic modeling of the homogeneous gas phase reactions of the oxidative coupling of methane

Activation and Transformation of Methane on Boron-Doped Cobalt Oxide Cluster Cations CoBO2. Inorg Chem 2024;63:1537-1542. [PMID: 38181068 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c03112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

The cleavage of inert C-H bonds in methane at room temperature and the subsequent conversion into value-added products are quite challenging. Herein, the reactivity of boron-doped cobalt oxide cluster cations CoBO2+ toward methane under thermal collision conditions was studied by mass spectrometry experiments and quantum-chemical calculations. In this reaction, one H atom and the CH3 unit of methane were transformed separately to generate the product metaboric acid (HBO2) and one CoCH3+ ion, respectively. Theoretical calculations strongly suggest that a catalytic cycle can be completed by the recovery of CoBO2+ through the reaction of CoCH3+ with sodium perborate (NaBO3), and this reaction generates sodium methoxide (CH3ONa) as the other value-added product. This study shows that boron-doped cobalt oxide species are highly reactive to facilitate thermal methane transformation and may open a way to develop more effective approaches for methane (CH4) activation and conversion under mild conditions.

Oxidative Coupling of Methane for Ethylene Production: Reviewing Kinetic Modelling Approaches, Thermodynamics and Catalysts

Ethylene production via oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) represents an interesting route for natural gas upscaling, being the focus of intensive research worldwide. Here, OCM developments are analysed in terms of kinetic mechanisms and respective applications in chemical reactor models, discussing current challenges and directions for further developments. Furthermore, some thermodynamic aspects of the OCM reactions are also revised, providing achievable olefins yields in a wide range of operational reaction conditions. Finally, OCM catalysts are reviewed in terms of respective catalytic performances and thermal stability, providing an executive summary for future studies on OCM economic feasibility.

Cyclic redox scheme towards shale gas reforming: a review and perspectives

Alkanes are potential precursors to many value-added chemicals such as olefins and other petrochemicals.