A K2NiF4-type La2Li0.5Al0.5O4 catalyst for the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM)

Abstract

In this study, the significant activity and noticeable C-2-selectivity of a La2Li0.3Al0.5O4 catalyst with a K2NiF4-type structure in the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) was reported for the first time. The high C-2-selectivity of the La2Li0.5Al0.5O4 catalyst originated from its abundance of electrophilic lattice oxygen species, which facilitated the selective formation of C-2-hydrocarbons from methane. Although the activity of the La2Li0.5Al0.5O4 catalyst changed slightly owing to its gradual structural change into LaAlO3 perovskite during OCM, it is highly significant that this catalyst, with a K2NiF4-type structure, appears as a potentially promising catalyst for the OCM reaction.