Mesoporous Inorganic Membrane Reactor for Oxidative Coupling of Methane

N.C May (School of Chemical Engineering Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus)
A.R Mohamed (School of Chemical Engineering Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus)
S Bhatia (School of Chemical Engineering Universiti Sains Malaysia)

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development
Vol. 21 No. 1 (2004): ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development (AJSTD)

The mesoporous inorganic membrane has been developed and characterized for oxidative coupling of methane reactions. In this research, g-alumina membrane was modified with Lanthanum. The membrane has shown thermal stability in prolonged exposure to the high-temperature application of 600-900°C. The results were confirmed by TGA and OCM experimentations. TGA results showed only 2-3% loss from an initial weight that is mainly due to evaporation of water and release of the nitrate compound. The membrane was also found stable for at least a month of operationwhile the catalyst was being regenerated to regain its activity. The SEM cross-sections show successful deposition of Lanthanum in spite of its non-uniform deposition layer and crack formation.