Resulting from the increased production of unconventional natural gas, the supply of light alkanes, e.g. methane, ethane, and natural gas liquids, have increased considerably over the recent years. Although there are well-established commercial processes for alkane conversions, they tend to be capital and energy intensive due to the reaction endothermicity, complexity in product conditioning and separations, and/or the needs for energy/capital intensive air separation.<br/><br/>This presentation discusses a chemical looping – oxidative dehydrogenation (CL-ODH) approach which can simplify the conversion of light alkanes to olefin products. The chemical looping process utilizes an oxygen carrier, also known as redox catalyst, to convert shale gas components via an indirect reduction-oxidation (redox) scheme: the redox catalyst first releases its lattice oxygen to convert, e.g. ethane into ethylene and water; the oxygen depleted redox catalyst is subsequently re-oxidized with air while releasing heat. The CL-ODH allows intensified, auto-thermal operation with integrated air separation. It is estimated that over 80% reduction in CO<sub>2</sub> emission can be realized. In this presentation, the design principles for the redox catalysts and the underlying mechanisms for ethane CL-ODH are discussed. Examples of CL-ODH to convert C3+ alkanes will also be provided.

Mixed oxide redox catalysts for oxidative conversion of light alkanes with integrated air separation

ACS Fall 2021

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