Three-Phase Lanthanum Oxycarbonate Catalyst for Low-Temperature OCM

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalysts for the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) require high reaction temperatures, have low C2 hydrocarbon concentrations, and struggle to achieve high methane conversion with high selectivity for C2 hydrocarbons, limiting commercialization.

Innovation Solution

A lanthanum oxycarbonate catalyst with coexisting hexagonal, monoclinic, and tetragonal phases is prepared by controlling the addition rate of an alkali solution to a mixed solution containing a lanthanum source and a doping element, allowing for high C2 hydrocarbon yield at lower temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional OCM catalysts are used, then methane conversion can be achieved, but high reaction temperature (700-900°C) is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemethane conversionVSAvoidreaction temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite catalyst system containing three distinct crystal phases (hexagonal, monoclinic, and tetragonal) of lanthanum oxycarbonate. Each phase contributes different catalytic properties, and their synergistic interaction enables effective methane conversion at lower temperatures (450-650°C) compared to conventional single-phase catalysts that require 700-900°C

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the crystal phase composition parameters of lanthanum oxycarbonate by controlling the addition rate of alkali solution during preparation. This parameter change transforms the catalyst from requiring high temperature operation to operating effectively at lower temperatures while maintaining methane conversion activity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high methane conversion rate is achieved, then more C2 hydrocarbons are produced, but selectivity of C2 hydrocarbons becomes low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemethane conversion rateVSAvoidC2 hydrocarbons selectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The three-phase composite structure provides multiple active sites with different selectivity characteristics. The hexagonal phase, monoclinic phase, and tetragonal phase work synergistically to promote C2 hydrocarbon formation while suppressing side reactions, maintaining high selectivity even at high conversion rates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different crystal phases are distributed within the catalyst structure, with each phase providing localized catalytic functionality. The hexagonal phase may favor certain C2 products while the monoclinic and tetragonal phases contribute to overall conversion, creating local quality variations that optimize both selectivity and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If conventional catalysts are used, then C2 hydrocarbons are produced, but the concentration of C2 hydrocarbons in the product is low

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveC2 hydrocarbons productionVSAvoidC2 hydrocarbons concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-phase composite catalyst enhances C2 hydrocarbon concentration in the product stream by providing synergistic catalytic effects that favor C2 product formation and minimize byproduct generation, achieving higher C2 concentration compared to conventional single-phase catalysts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The catalyst achieves high yield of C2 hydrocarbons at 450-650°C with improved selectivity, addressing the limitations of existing OCM catalysts.

Implementation Method 1

adding an alkali solution to a mixed solution containing a lanthanum source and a compound containing a doping element to make the pH value of the mixed system greater than 9

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Implementation Method 2

monoclinic phase lanthanum oxycarbonate containing a doping element, and tetragonal phase lanthanum oxycarbonate containing a doping element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoping: Dopants

Implementation Method 3

The catalyst achieves high yield of C2 hydrocarbons at 450-650°C with improved selectivity, addressing the limitations of existing OCM catalysts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP4620568A1Lanthanum oxycarbonate catalyst, preparation method therefor and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP
  • EP4620568A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4620568A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4620568A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to the technical field of lanthanum oxycarbonate, and discloses a lanthanum oxycarbonate catalyst, a preparation method and an application thereof. The lanthanum oxycarbonate catalyst comprises hexagonal phase lanthanum oxycarbonate, monoclinic phase lanthanum oxycarbonate containing a doping element and tetragonal phase lanthanum oxycarbonate containing a doping element. When the catalyst of the present invention is used for methane oxidative coupling reaction, it has a high C2 hydrocarbon yield at low temperature.