Capci Database for sustainable chemistry

Knowledge Base: Climate protection in the production and use of chemicals

Best Practice: Olefins from synthetic methane + oxidative coupling of methane

Olefins from synthetic methane + oxidative coupling of methane

Methane is a raw material for production of fuels and chemicals. The Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is considered one of the most important ways to directly convert methane into more desirable and valuable higher hydrocarbons, such as olefins, in the presence of catalysts. The development of methods for converting methane into useful chemical products is driven by the abundance of methane on the world market. However in a typical OCM process, where products like C2H4 and C2H6 are readily oxidized, achieving increased C2 selectivity can be quite difficult.

Stage of Life Cycle
Products and Processes

GHG Reduction Potential

Since methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) make up the majority of natural and greenhouse gases, efficient utilization of these gases is crucial for achieving a more sustainable society. The CO2 emissions of the OCM studied processes are also much lower than the benchmark technology (total CO2 emissions are reduced by 96% in the dense membranes case and by 88% in the porous membranes case, with respect to naphtha steam cracking), where the high direct CO2 emissions have a major impact on the process.

Solution Maturity Status

Newly Established:

Stages where the technology concept is approved but has not been widely incorporated except by few companies.

Identification Keys / Drivers & Barriers

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