Abstract:
The MnO/NaCl/MgO catalyst shows high activity, C-2 selectivity and C-2 space time yield (STY). Catalyst samples have been prepared using different polymorphic forms, viz., alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-forms of manganese dioxide. The catalyst prepared using delta-MnO2 gives the highest (29.5%) C-2 yield at 750-degrees-C. The mixed metal oxide that is formed in the catalyst after calcination is identified as Mg6MnO8 from XRD studies. Methane oxidation via methyl radical formation is expected to take place on the surface of this species.