Effect of small amounts of ethane on the selective oxidation of methane over silicic acid and quartz glass surfaces

Abstract

In the reaction between methane and oxygen over silicic acid at 833–893 K the presence of ethane in the feed improved the selectivity for formaldehyde formation and decreased CO production, ethylene also being formed; in the reaction over quartz glass at 913 K the presence of ethane increased the extent of methane conversion, but high proportions (9%) of ethane increased the formation of CO and CO₂.