| abstract |
Processes for the conversion of hydrocarbons, and most preferably methane, to higher hydrocarbons and olefins are disclosed, including contacting the hydrocarbons with a mixed metal oxide catalyst having the pyrochlore structure. Preferably, these catalysts have the general formula A n B 2 O 7 -x, where A can be various mono-, di-, and trivalent metal cations, B can be various tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexavalent metal cations, 0≦n≦2.0, and 0≦x≦1.0. Novel, high surface area, mixed metal oxide cataysts having the pyrochlore structure are also disclosed, including those having the formula A 2 B 2 O 7 , where A is divalent and B is niobium and/or tantalum, and those having the formula A 2 (Sn 2-y A y )O 7-z , where A is bismuth and/or lead, 0.0≦y≦1.0, and 0.0≦z≦1.0. |