Abstract: A process for conversion of natural gas to aromatic hydrocarbons in a catalytic membrane reactor is described herein. The catalytic membrane reactor comprises a dehydrogenation catalyst and a membrane that can selectively transport hydrogen under high temperature operating conditions such as 600° C. to 800° C. Aromatic hydrocarbons are produced stably for a long time by a process characterized by hydrogen co-feed with the reaction gases to the one end of the to the reaction zone while hydrogen is extracted selectively with use of the membrane as the reactive gas mix passes through the reaction zone.

Abstract: A proton conducting ceramic membrane comprising a conducting layer, wherein said conducting layer comprises a mixture of a rare-earth tungstate as herein defined and a mixed metal oxide as herein defined. The invention also relates to a reactor comprising said membrane and the use of said membrane in a dehydrogenation process.

Abstract: A reactor comprising a first zone comprising a dehydrogenation catalyst and a second zone separated from said first zone by a proton conducting membrane comprising a mixed metal oxide of formula (I) LnaWbO12?y wherein Ln is Y or an element numbered 57 to 71; the molar ratio of a:b is 4.8 to 6, preferably 5.3 to 6; and y is a number such that formula (I) is uncharged, e.g. y is 0?y?1.8.

Abstract: A proton conducting ceramic membrane comprising a conducting layer, wherein said conducting layer comprises a mixture of a rare-earth tungstate as herein defined and a mixed metal oxide as herein defined. The invention also relates to a reactor comprising said membrane and the use of said membrane in a dehydrogenation process.

Abstract: A reactor comprising a first zone comprising a dehydrogenation catalyst and a second zone separated from said first zone by a proton conducting membrane comprising a mixed metal oxide of formula (I) LnaWbO12?y wherein Ln is Y or an element numbered 57 to 71; the molar ratio of a:b is 4.8 to 6, preferably 5.3 to 6; and y is a number such that formula (I) is uncharged, e.g. y is 0?y?1.8.