Oxidative coupling of methane by Mn-Na₂WO₄/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst: effect of Mn/W ratio

Abstract

In this study, Mn-Na₂WO₄/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts with varying ratios of Mn/W were prepared using the dry impregnation method. These catalysts were then tested for their suitability in the oxidative coupling of methane reaction. The X-ray photoelectron results revealed the presence of the tetrahedral WO₄^2– phase in all prepared catalysts. It is believed that the presence of this phase is associated with high catalyst activity, indicating the potential of the catalysts for the desired reaction. The activity results show that the catalyst with a high Mn/W ratio exhibited higher activity at 800 °C, whereas the catalyst with a low Mn/W ratio showed greater activity at 850 °C. This suggests that the Mn/W ratio influences the reaction temperature at which the catalyst is most active. Furthermore, the X-ray diffraction results of the treated catalysts revealed that the catalyst with a high Mn/W ratio exhibited more MnAl₂O₄ at 800 °C, whereas the catalyst with a low Mn/W ratio contained more MnWO₄ at 850 °C. The results suggest that the presence of MnAl₂O₄ sites may promote a more facile Mn²⁺ ↔ Mn³⁺ cycle at lower temperatures than the MnWO₄ site, potentially contributing to the enhanced catalyst activity in the oxidative coupling of methane reaction at 800 °C.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

oxidative coupling of methane / Mn-Na₂WO₄ / methane / Al₂O₃

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Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

The authors of this work appreciate the financial support of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Research Council, Mashhad, Iran (Grant No. 68841) and (OCM project No. 23346).

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