Material Synthesis of Catalytic Membranes Used in Selective Alkane Oxidation

Abstract

Abstract - Within the field of natural gas, there has been a lot of interest to find ways to make lower carbon-chain molecules, such as methane, ethane, and propane, more profitable and usable. There are many reactions that can manipulate these gases into value-added chemicals. In order to perform these reactions, membrane reactors that transport oxygen ions are needed. With current state-of-the-art Oxygen Transport Membrane (OTM) technology, there are still many issues that inhibit the techno economic feasibility of their usage in partial oxidation reactions. One of these limitations is poisoning by carbon dioxide. This report explores an alternative membrane material, Cobalt doped Cerium Gadolinium Oxide (Co-CGO), and its potential usage in Oxidative Coupling of Methane (OCM). First, the synthesis steps for the production of the Co-CGO powder will be explored. Next, the steps for pressing the powder into a button-cell shape will be discussed. Finally, analysis of the powder with its gas-tightness, oxygen flux, selectivity, conversion, and operation in a carbon dioxide environment will be analyzed. This project was done in the Linic Lab as a University of Michigan College of Engineering Honors Program Capstone.