Transformation of methane over platinum supported catalysts at moderate temperature

Non-oxidative methane reactions over solid catalysts are normally regarded as high temperature reactions (700 °C and above). Here we show that methane can be converted into ethane during many hours over two platinum supported catalysts at 370 °C. Analysis of the experimental data and DFT calculations, available in the literature, suggests that this reaction proceeds via formation and subsequent coupling of surface carbonaceous species (CHx and C) and that the relatively stable catalyst performance is associated with slow coupling of carbon species. Our work indicates that other transition metal (Co, Fe, Ru, Rh) supported catalysts should be active in methane conversion into ethane at similar and, possibly, lower temperatures. Thus, further research into these catalytic systems would furnish new experimental data on formation and transformation of surface CHx species, which are believed to be involved in such reactions as Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, methanation and methane steam reforming.

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► Methane is converted into ethane during many hours over Pt catalysts at 370 °C.
► Reaction proceeds via transformation of surface CHx and C species.
► Stable catalyst performance is associated with slow coupling of carbon species.
► Other transition metals (Co, Fe, Ru, Rh) could be active in methane conversion.