3D-cat is a participant in the EC’s ZEOCAT-3D project.
Challenges of the MDA process
Difficult activation of the C-H bond of CH4 molecule, high reactivity of the products compared to methane, and acid sites of zeolites are occupied by coke deposition.
Problems to solve
The main drawbacks associated the process are low methane conversion, low selectivity towards the desired products and the quick deactivation due to carbon deposition onto the catalyst.
The solution
These problems will be overcome by the use of hierarchical zeolites structures synthesized by 3D-printing and loaded with doped molybdenum nano-oxides.