Method of oxidative conversion

This patent describes a method for the oxidative conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons. It comprises: contacting a feed material comprising methane and a free oxygen-containing gas with a solid contact material selected from the group consisting of: a solid contact material consisting essentially of: cobalt, at least one metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium, zinc and niobium, phosphorous, oxygen and at least one of halogen ions and compounds containing halogen ions; and a solid contact material consisting essentially of: cobalt, at least one metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium, zinc and niobium, phosphorous, oxygen, at least one material selected from the group consisting of Group IA metals, sulfur, compounds containing sulfur and mixtures thereof and at least one of halogen ions and compounds containing halogen ions; under oxidative conversion conditions sufficient to convert the methane to the higher hydrocarbons; and at least intervally contacting the solid contact material with at least one material containing at least one halogen and with at least one material containing at least one reducing agent in the absence of the free oxygen-containing gas