Innovative membrane-based catalytic process for environmentally friendly synthesis of oxygenates

Synthesis of liquid oxygenates from low alkanes (C1-C3) is attained in a multifunctional three phase catalytic membrane reactor (3PCMR) operating under mild conditions (TR, 80-120°C; PR, 140 kPa). The features of superacid catalytic membranes mediated by Men+/H2O2 Fenton system in activating C1-C3 alkanes are presented. The effect of operating conditions ( [H2O2], [Men+]) on the catalyst activity is outlined. A general reaction pathway accounting for the activation of the C-H bond of the alkane molecule on the superacid sites and the subsequent reaction of the activated alkane with primary reactive intermediates, generated from the Men+/H2O2 system, is proposed. The suitability of the 3PCMR in enabling simultaneously reaction and product separation is discussed.