Enhanced catalytic performance of MnxOy-Na2WO4/SiO2 for the oxidative coupling of methane using an ordered mesoporous silica supportElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4cc06561a

The oxidative coupling of methane is a highly promising reaction for its direct conversion. Silica supported Mn x O y -Na 2 WO 4 is a suitable catalyst for this reaction. In this study, a variety of different SiO 2 materials have been tested as supports. Surprisingly, the application of ordered mesoporous silicas, here exemplarily shown for SBA-15 as support materials, greatly enhances the catalytic performance. The CH 4 conversion increased two fold and also the C 2 selectivity is strongly increased. The oxidative coupling of methane is a highly promising reaction for its direct conversion.