ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors discuss the reactor design and development for Direct Nonoxidative Methane Conversion (DNMC) in methane upgrading, focusing on the multifunctional reactors that concurrently tackle two or more barriers present in the DNMC process. Soon after demonstrating the ability of Palladium-based membrane reactors to remove H2 in the DNMC reaction, research on Pd-based membrane reactors in DNMC shifted gears to focus on understanding the mechanism and process control of DNMC in membrane reactors to optimize performances. The major challenge when using Palladium-based membrane reactors for the DNMC reaction is the rapid deactivation of the catalyst due to coke formation. Therefore, catalyst/membrane system regeneration is crucial in the commercialization of the process. Several groups have carried out studies on the regeneration of the catalyst/membrane systems.
