ACTIVATING A CATALYST CONTAINING OXIDE OR CARBONATE IN A HYDROGEN-CONTAINING ATMOSPHERE AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

摘要

An improved catalyst for the oxidative coupling of methane containing a Group IIA element capable, under the reaction conditions, of existing at least partly in its oxide or carbonate form and a clay or a synthetic analogue of a clay. The catalyst preferably comprises an intimate mixture of strontium carbonate and bentonite, in a weight ratio of 80:20. The catalyst advantageously also contains a Group IA oxide or carbonate such as sodium carbonate.