Preparation, characterisation and activity of an iron/sodalite catalyst for the oxidation of methane to methanol

An iron sodalite catalyst similar to that reported to have good selectivity for the oxidation of methane to methanol by Lyons et al. has been prepared, tested and characterised. In a limited range of temperature at 34 bar total pressure the selectivity of the catalyst to methanol is a little better than that of an empty silica glass reactor. Before reaction, X-ray powder diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy confirm the presence of Fe(III) in the sodalite framework. After reaction Mössbauer spectroscopy identifies Fe(II) and also small particles of iron(III) oxide, < 1 μm in size. © 1994 J.C. Baltzer AG, Science Publishers.