Conversion of methane into higher hydrocarbons in the presence of ethylene over H-ZSM-5 loaded with silver cations

H-ZSM-5 loaded with silver cations (Ag/H-ZSM-5) catalyzed conversion of CH4 to higher hydrocarbons such as C3H6 in the presence of C2H4. The effect of the reaction parameters, such as reaction temperature, were examined. The maximum conversion of methane was 13.2 mol% at 673 K. The reaction of C2H4 with 13C-labelled methane (13CH4) yielded singly 13C-labelled propylene (13CC2H6) and H2, while formation of 13CC2H6 was not observed over H-ZSM-5. These results indicate that the formation of 13CC2H6 proceeds by the reaction of C2H4 with 13CH4, and that the activation of 13CH4 proceeds on silver cations. Ag/H-ZSM-5 also catalyzed the reaction of C3H6 and benzene with CH4 to form butenes and toluene, respectively.