Low-temperature selective oxidation of methane to ethane and ethylene over BaCO3/La2O3 catalysts prepared by urea combustion method

A series of BaCO3/La2O3 catalysts have been prepared using urea combustion method, and tested their activity in oxidative conversion of methane to ethane and ethylene below 600 °C. For 5% BaCO3/La2O3 catalyst, under integral conditions, CH4 conversion of 31.8% with C2 selectivity of 45.9% have been obtained at 320 °C. With the increase of BaCO3 contents, CH4 conversion and C2 selectivity are improved. The temperature profiles of reactor have been described and found that the distribution of hot spots on catalyst bed is related to the low-temperature activity of catalyst.