An Overview of Recent Advances of the Catalytic Selective Oxidation of Ethane to Oxygenates

Abstract

Abstract:The selective partial oxidation of short chain alkanes is a key challenge within catalysis research. Direct ethane oxidation to oxygenates is a difficult aim, but potentially rewarding, and it could lead to a paradigm shift in the supply chain of several bulk chemicals. Unfortunately, low C-H bond reactivity and kinetically labile products are just some reasons affecting the development and commercialisation of such processes. Research into direct ethane oxidation is therefore disparate, with approaches ranging from oxidation in the gas phase at high temperatures to enzyme catalysed hydroxylation under ambient conditions. Furthermore, in overcoming the barrier posed by the chemically inert C-H bond a range of oxidants have been utilised. Despite years of research, this remains an intriguing topic from both academic and commercial perspectives. Herein we describe some recent developments within the field of catalytic ethane oxidation focusing on the formation of oxygenated products, whilst addressing the key challenges which are still to be overcome.

The effect of oxidation of ethane to oxygenates on Pt- and Zn-containing LTA zeolites with tunable selectivity

“…The depletion of fossil fuels has stimulated scientists to explore alternative type of fuels to substitute fossil fuel as feedstocks for various chemicals production. Natural gas, which is estimated to have more than 190 trillion cubic meters [1] , is an abundant resource that is composed mainly of methane (70%-90%) and ethane (1%-10%). Thus, it is necessary to convert natural gas to valuable chemicals and fuels.…”

General and Prospective Views on Oxidation Reactions in Heterogeneous Catalysis

“…Catalytic performance of lanthanum vanadate (La 0.1 V 0.9 O x ) catalyst in the ammoxidation of 2-methylpyrazine (MP) to 2-cyanopyarazine (CP) has also been investigated [15]. The recent developments in the field of catalytic partial oxidation of ethane to oxygenated products have been comprehensively reviewed [16]. Moreover, the comparative catalytic oxidation of alcohols in both gas phase and liquid phase over size-controlled Pt nanoparticles was reviewed very recently [17].…”

FeCrAlloy Monoliths Coated with Ni/Al2O3 Applied to the Low-Temperature Production of Ethylene

“…Ethylene is one of the major building blocks in the petrochemical industries as it is mainly used for the synthesis of polyethylene and other compounds as acetaldehyde, ethanol, ethyl chloride, and ethylbenzene [1,2], which are important reactants for the synthesis of the everyday-life products. Between 2011 and 2016, ethylene world consumption grew at an average rate of about 3% per year, while its capacity increased at 2%, leading to higher utilization rates.…”