Enhanced catalytic performance of Mn(x)O(y)-Na2WO4/SiO2 for the oxidative coupling of methane using an ordered mesoporous silica support.

The oxidative coupling of methane is a highly promising reaction for its direct conversion. Silica supported Mn(x)O(y)-Na2WO4 is a suitable catalyst for this reaction. In this study, a variety of different SiO2 materials have been tested as supports. Surprisingly, the application of ordered mesoporous silicas, here exemplarily shown for SBA-15 as support materials, greatly enhances the catalytic performance. The CH4 conversion increased two fold and also the C2 selectivity is strongly increased.