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ISU researchers have developed a transition metal carbide for the conversion of methane into a variety of higher value chemicals. Particularly this technology enables conversion from methane to C2 hydrocarbons.

The conversion of methane to higher value chemicals presents many technical challenges that has thus far prevented commercial adaptation of methane upcycling. In particular many methane conversion technologies require an additional outside oxidant, such as oxygen that adds complexity and dangers to the reaction. Iowa State University researchers have developed a metal carbide based catalyst that converts methane to C2 hydrocarbons with high selectivity. Conversion is amenable to flow reactors and creates minimal coke formation and importantly requires no addition of outside oxidant. Ethane and ethylene can be selectively produced by altering reaction conditions, such as time on catalyst and temperature. The catalyst has shown excellent, stability, activity, and selectivity while still enabling easy product separation.

• Higher selectivity and activity

• Excellent stability

• Allowing ease of product separation

• In-situ regeneration

Petrochemical industry

Patent(s) applied for