The role of tin in Li/Sn/MgO catalysts for the oxidative coupling of methane

Abstract

The addition of SnO₂ to the Li/MgO catalyst system has been found to stabilize its catalytic activity for the oxidative coupling of methane, and, when a large amount of SnO₂ is added, a new phase, Li₂Mg₃SnO₆ is identified; pure Li₂Mg₃SnO₆ is also an active and selective catalyst for the oxidative coupling of methane, and in contrast with Li/MgO, it retains lithium under reaction conditions, thereby suppressing deactivation.