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Investigations of active sites for methane activation in the oxidative coupling reaction over pure and Li-promoted MgO catalysts

Journal Article · · Journal of Catalysis; (United States)
OSTI ID:6304874
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Texas A M Univ., College Station (United States)
The oxidative coupling of methane to ethane over model MgO catalysts prepared under well-controlled, ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions has been studied using a combination of surface science techniques and elevated-pressure kinetic measurements. The utilization of electron energy loss spectroscopy has allowed the authors to characterize a variety of defects and to identify the active sites which are responsible for the methane coupling reaction. The results indicate that [Li[sup +]O[sup [minus]]] centers are not likely directly involved in the methane activation step, but rather promote the production of F-type centers in the near-surface region which are responsible for this key step in the methane coupling reaction. The origin of [Li[sup +]O[sup [minus]]] and F-type defects and their densities and stabilities are discussed. 32 refs., 6 figs.
OSTI ID:
6304874
Journal Information:
Journal of Catalysis; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Catalysis; (United States) Vol. 140:2; ISSN 0021-9517; ISSN JCTLA5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English