Novel bimetallic catalysts prepared by incipient wetness co-impregnation of an H-ZSM-5 support were formulated and tested for the use in the methane non-oxidative aromatization to hydrogen and aromatic species. The ability to generate hydrogen without any greenhouse byproducts from a biomass compatible process is a very attractive technology. An innovative 100% hydrogen-selective custom designed catalytic membrane reactor was utilized. To increase catalyst efficiency and lifetime, α-SiC size 2μm crystallites were added in order to increase thermal distribution for this highly endothermic reaction (600-750°C) shown below.

6CH₄→C₆H₆+9H₂ (ΔH=523KJ/mol)

In-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of the reactants and products as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of fresh, activated, spent, unpromoted and promoted (with Ru, Pd) Mo/H-ZSM-5 catalysts will be presented. Gas chromatography techniques were used to both qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the hydrogen byproduct. Conversion data will also be presented.