Methane partial oxidation on Pt/CeO_2 and Pt/Al_2O_3 catalysts

Abstract

Partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas over 0.5 wt.% Pt/Al_2O_3 and 0.5 wt.% Pt/CeO_2 catalysts was studied in a packed-bed reactor and supplementary runs of methane reforming with carbon dioxide were carried out. Fresh and used catalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption (BET method) for total surface area, and by H_2 and CO chemisorption or by the rate of propene hydrogenation for metal surface area. At temperatures up to 650°C, the Pt/CeO_2 catalyst gave considerably higher methane conversion and higher selectivity to CO and H_2 but above 700°C, the activities and selectivities of both catalysts were comparable. The Pt/CeO_2 catalyst maintained high selectivity to CO and H_2 when the CH_4:O_2 feed ratio varied from 1.7 to 2.3 while the Pt/Al_2O_3 catalyst had lower activity and selectivity under methane-rich conditions. The Pt/CeO_2 catalyst was also more active for methane reforming by carbon dioxide.

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