MOLECULAR MECHANISMS IN PARTIAL OXIDATION OF METHANE ON IR ALPHA-AL2O3 - REACTIVITY DEPENDENCE ON CATALYST PROPERTIES AND TRANSPORT PHENOMENA LIMITATIONS/

An in situ DRIFT and mass spectrometric study of catalytic partial oxi dation of methane with Ir/alpha-Al2O3 has enlightened relationships be tween the formation of surface metal carbonyl clusters and residence t ime and temperature conditions. Some cluster species produced during c atalytic partial oxidation were also originated during CO2 hydrogenati on and CO2 reforming experiments described in previous literature. An EXAFS analysis of the catalyst precursor, prepared through a solid-liq uid reaction between Ir-4(CO)(12) clusters and the reactive surface si tes of alpha-Al2O3, is also included to discuss clusters structure pro duced at the surfaces.