Production of low carbon number olefins from natural gas: Methane-involved catalytic non-oxidative propane dehydrogenation

•Direct natural gas dehydrogenation is explored using a methane and propane mixture.•Promising product distribution with high ethylene and propylene yields is achieved.•An optimized PtRu/mesoTiO2 catalyst demonstrates favorable activity and selectivity.•A clear kinetic model is set up and the distinctive reaction behavior is described.•A synergy effect between methane and propane is described mathematically.