Continuum-level modeling and Knudsen dynamics simulations were used to investigate the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane in nanostructured membranes. Different operational modes were investigated, including pass-through and sweep-gas modes, and pores with total and partial catalyst coverage on the walls were studied. It was determined that by adjusting the aspect ratio (L/d) of the pore in the pass-through mode it is possible to achieve high conversions and yields even for slow reactions. On the other hand, in the sweep-gas mode, the velocity of the reaction limits the conversion and yield that can be achieved. It was also found that, under Knudsen diffusion, covering the wall of the pores only partially with catalyst could improve the per gram conversion obtained. However, it does not improve the selectivity achieved for a given conversion when compared to that obtained in a pore fully covered in catalyst.