Work continued on the catalytic conversion of methane to produce C2, C3, and C4 hydrocarbons. Progress is reported on the catalytic effects of Lithium Oxide and Magnesium Oxide catalysts.

Work will continue on the oxidative coupling reaction of methane over ternary oxide catalysts to produce C2, C3 and C4 hydrocarbons and Particularly Olefins with high selectivity. The work which has shown that close to 100% selectivity can be obtained has received wide attention and has resulted in collaborative efforts with industry (CRADA) towards the development of a commercial process. An immediate purpose of additional work is to increase the conversion without diminishing the extremely high selectivity of the reaction and also to permit operation at higher space velocity to reduce equipment size. The mechanism of this reaction is not understood and much additional work is needed to explain the role of carbon formation and of water as intermediates in the reaction and to investigate whether carbon oxides are intermediates. It has been found that oxides other than calcium-nickel-potassium oxides can be useful catalysts for this reaction in the presence of steam and at relatively low temperatures and long contact times. Better definition of the class of binary metal oxides is required and better catalyst characterization is needed to ensure reproducibility Of catalyst preparation and operational results. Pretreatment of the catalyst should be shortened and higher space velocities must be obtained. Close collaboration with Orion ACT is required to advance the project toward the pilot plant stage. In the area of coal and char catalytic steam gasification, the large volume of data obtained at atmospheric pressure will be extended to operations at higher pressures.

Work on catalytic steam gasification with chars and coals will be extended from atmospheric to elevated pressures using the newly built pressure unit. The novel finding that coking of petroleum in the presence of small amounts of caustic greatly improves the gasification rates and characteristics of the coke will be extended to chars; in the oxidative coupling of methane over ternary catalysts, emphasis will be placed on low temperature coupling and on the oxidative production of syngas from methane at low temperature. Experimental work will continue on the synthesis of the mixed catalyst, and they will be characterized by a number of techniques, including elemental analyses, x-ray diffraction, and surface area determination.

Research continued on the study of catalysts and membrane materials involved in the oxidative coupling of methane and coal gasification processes. Membranes studied and fabricated included Sr-Zr-Y-O, Sr-Zr-Y, and Sr-Ce-Y-O systems.