MECHANISM OF THE PARTIAL OXIDATION OF METHANE TO SYNTHESIS GAS ON A SILICA-SUPPORTED NICKEL-CATALYST

In the present study we investigated the mechanism involved in the par tial oxidation of methane with oxygen to synthesis gas on a reduced si lica-supported nickel catalyst in an isothermal fixed-bed reactor at t emperatures up to 920 K. Firstly, the deep oxidation of methane with o xygen to carbon dioxide and water proceeds. Subsequently, the remainin g part of the methane reacts with the initially formed water and carbo n dioxide to synthesis gas. The final hydrogen-to-carbon monoxide rati o is determined by the water-gas shift conversion.