The role of tin in Li/Sn/MgO catalysts for the oxidative coupling of methane

Abstract

The addition of SnO2 to the Li/MgO catalyst system has been found to stabilize its catalytic activity for the oxidative coupling of methane, and, when a large amount of SnO2 is added, a new phase, Li2Mg3SnO6 is identified; pure Li2Mg3SnO6 is also an active and selective catalyst for the oxidative coupling of methane, and in contrast with Li/MgO, it retains lithium under reaction conditions, thereby suppressing deactivation.