Patent ID: 6641626
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: B01J,C01B,C01C,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for oxidizing a reactant gas capable of reacting with oxygen which comprises the steps of:(a) providing a catalytic membrane reactor cell comprising an oxidation zone and a reduction zone separated by a gas impermeable mixed phase ceramic reactor membrane having a reduction surface and oxidation surface and comprising: about 80% by weight or more of a mixed ionic and electronic conducting first phase and from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight of one or more structurally distinct second phases which impart mechanical strength to the membrane, wherein said second phase or phases is formed from one or more of the same metal elements as the first phase; wherein the mixed ionic and electronic conducting first phase has the formula: AxAâ€²xâ€²Aâ€³2âˆ’(x+xâ€²)ByBâ€²yâ€²Bâ€³2âˆ’(y+yâ€²)O5+z â€ƒwhere A is an element from the f block lanthanide elements; Aâ€² is an element selected from the Group 2 elements; Aâ€³ is an element from the f block lanthanide or Group 2 elements; B is an element selected from Al, Ga, In or mixtures thereof; Bâ€² and Bâ€³ are different elements and are selected independently from the group of elements consisting of Mg, and the d-block transition elements; 0(b) heating said reactor cell to a temperature of from about 300Â° C. to about 1200Â° C.; (c) passing an oxygen-containing gas in contact with the reduction surface of said membrane of said heated reactor in said reduction zone; and (d) passing said reactant gas in contact with the oxidation surface of said membrane of said heated reactor in said oxidation zone to effect oxidation of said reactant gas.