Direct conversion of methane to value-added products, without a syngas intermediate step, presents multiple advantages, including fewer processing steps and potentially less COx emissions. Among the different reactions capable of converting CH4 to other chemical commodities, there has been an emerging interest in the heterogeneous catalytic conversion of methane to a mixture of benzene and hydrogen, by the non-oxidative methane dehydroaromatization (MDA) reaction (6 CH4 ↔ C6H6 + 9H2), which happens in one step. Our group is carrying out a fundamental and systematic study of this catalytic process with the goal to answer some fundamental questions, which can mitigate its technological challenges. The most commonly studied catalysts for MDA consist of zeolite-supported molybdenum carbides, however, they do not fulfill the conversion and stability requirements for commercialization. In our group we have found that the treatment of the Mo oxide precursors to form the carbides can strongly influence their performance in reaction and that by controlling the activation of the Mo species it is possible to optimize their reduction and dispersion before exposing them to the harsh reaction conditions. These activation conditions can also influence the ability of a second metal, X, to act as a promoter and enhance catalyst stability. We will show how a synergy between Mo and X is established and how we have combined ex situ with in situ characterization techniques to monitor the evolution of the Mo species as they transform from supported oxide precursors to the carbides until catalyst deactivation. By controlling the activation conditions, the nature of the metal X and its amount, it is possible to maintian benzene yields for longer periods of time.

Bimetallic Mo-X/ZSM-5 catalysts for methane dehydroaromatization

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.