PROTON EXCHANGE REACTIVE MEMBRANE, REACTOR AND METHOD FOR CONVERSION OF LIGHT ALKANES TO HIGHER HYDROCARBONS AND METHOD OF REACTIVATING A CATALYST LAYER

摘要

A controllable proton exchange reactive membrane comprising a proton exchang e membrane, at least two catalyst layers disposed on opposing sides of the proton exchange membrane, and a power source operably coupled to the at leas t two catalyst layers. A direction and magnitude of flow of hydrogen through t he proton exchange reactive membrane is controlled by modulating the power sour ce across the proton exchange membrane, thereby enabling hydrogen to be transported in either direction across the proton exchange reactive membrane . By controlling the transport of hydrogen, the extent of a homologation reaction is enhanced. A proton exchange reactive membrane reactor comprising the proton exchange reactive membrane is also disclosed. A method of produci ng a higher hydrocarbon from a light alkane is disclosed, as is a method of regenerating a catalyst layer.