Characterization by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of catalytic ceramic membranes and reducible solid catalysts for their use in reactors for selective oxidation of hydrocarbons

Throughout this research project, various catalytic inorganic membranes were prepared by depositing active materials (Li, Mg, Si,…) on porous alumina tubes, using both sol-gel and impregnation techniques. The concentration profiles of the different species in the membrane were obtained using XPS and the method to apply this measurement technique was optimized. In addition, the stability of the membranes was checked by subjecting the samples to different thermal treatments. Different preparation methods were compared with the aim of achieving controlled distributions of the active phases in the membrane. Finally, some reaction experiments were carried out using these membranes as oxygen distributors in the methane oxidative coupling (MOC) in a packed bed catalytic membrane reactor (PBCMR). The obtained results showed the possibility of obtaining notable changes in the structure of the pores and in their composition profiles depending on the preparation procedure. Furthermore, much higher selectivities were obtained in the reaction tests by doping the membranes with the appropriate active components and method.

Project: Membceram