CARBON-DIOXIDE REACTION WITH METHANE ON LA2O3 SUPPORTED RH CATALYSTS

Three Rh supported catalysts (Rh/SiO2, Rh/La2O3-SiO2, Rh/La2O3) have b een investigated by catalytic tests in the dry reforming reaction (CO2 +CH4--> 2CO+2H(2)). The La2O3 shows a positive effect on the conversio n and selectivity due to the CO2 activation. The results lead to the s upposition of a deep influence of the CH4 partial pressure on the CO2 conversion. The mechanism should involve the reaction of carbon dioxid e on the support with methane adsorbed on the metal. Thermogravimetric analyses put in evidence the role of metal and seem to confirm a conc erted reaction scheme in which carbon deposition and CO2 conversion si multaneously occurr.