CO oxidative coupling of methane using an earth-abundant CaO-based catalyst.

CO oxidative coupling of methane has been achieved by using CO as the oxidant. We explored various catalysts with the capability of producing C hydrocarbons and found that the use of a CaO-based oxide with sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) allowed for remarkable direct methane conversion with a C yield of 6.6% at 950 °C. Microstructural characterisations showed that the optimal sample contained sodium carbonate (NaCO) covered with fine calcium oxide particles with chloride doping. Interestingly, sodium carbonate acted as a molten salt catalyst in this scenario. The synthesised active components are earth-abundant and can increase the possibility of achieving higher yields of hydrocarbons.