US Patent 7772450 Production of aromatic hydrocarbons and syngas from methane

In a process for converting methane to syngas and aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is contacted with a dehydrocyclization catalyst under conditions effective to convert said methane to aromatic hydrocarbons and produce a first effluent comprising aromatic hydrocarbons and H2, wherein said first effluent comprises at least 5 wt % more aromatic hydrocarbons than said feed. At least part of the H2 from said first effluent is then reacted with an oxygen-containing species, such as carbon dioxide, to produce a second effluent having an increased H2 and CO content compared with said first effluent.