Abstract
The catalytic performance of Nd
2O
3 promoted with different alkaline earth oxides, i.e., MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO was studied in the reaction of oxidative coupling of methane. The catalytic activity and selectivity were discussed mainly in relation to different basicity and the ability of the added altervalent cations to incorporate into the host Nd
2O
3 lattice. To elucidate the complex relationships between composition, basicity, electrical conductivity, and catalyst performance, the catalyst samples were characterized by XRD, TPD of CO
2 and electrical conductivity measurements. The highest selectivity towards C
2+ hydrocarbons was observed on Sr promoted catalyst. Such behavior is probably due to the presence of stronger basic centers and Sr good incorporation into Nd
2O
3 lattice, thanks to the close cation radii of Nd
3+ and Sr
2+.