Catalytic Processes to Convert Methane

The introduction of solid catalysts into a traditionally non-catalytic free-radical process such as combustion occurred in recent years under the influence of environmental pressures. The major applications of catalytic combustion are two-fold: at low temperatures to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and at high temperatures (>1000°C) to reduce NOx emission from gas turbines, jet motors, etc. It is the high temperature application that is reviewed here. Some recent developments in high-temperature catalytic combustion are trend setters in catalysis and hence of particular interest. For instance, novel materials are being developed for catalytic applications above 1000°C for sustained operation longer than one year. Where material/catalyst developments are still inadequate, systems engineering is coming to the rescue by developing multiple-monolith catalyst systems and the so-called hybrid (catalytic + thermal) reactors.