JOURNAL of the Tunisian Chemical Society

The present study aims to evaluate the catalytic performance of synthetic minerals containing manganese, for methane combustion. Al-Mn-silicate nanobubbles and Mn-zeolite (analcime) were first hydrothermally synthesized using the one-pot method. The thermal stability of an Al-Mn-silicate nanobubbles sample was studied. Elaborated solids were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, N₂-physisorption, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, ²⁷Al and ²⁹Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance and transmission electron microscopy and tested in methane combustion. Catalytic tests have shown that the conversion strongly depends on the nature of used mineral. Catalytic performances are controlled by both acidic and redox properties of the catalyst. Interesting activity, selectivity and stability were recorded for Al-Mn-silicate nanobubbles. These results may encourage the development of Mn-porous minerals as promising catalysts for methane combustion. They may be the best alternative to replace noble metals based catalysts which are characterized by their poor resistance to deactivation and their high cost.

A. Bejar, S. Ben Chaabene, L. Bergaoui

Mn-analcime, Al-Mn-silicate nanobubbles, hydrothermal synthesis, methane combustion

Pages 65-73