PARTIAL OXIDATION OF METHANE TO SYNTHESIS GAS OVER UNPROMOTED AND (0.1-0.5 WT-PERCENT) NI-PROMOTED CALCIUM ALUMINATE CATALYSTS

The partial oxidation of methane towards synthesis gas is catalyzed ov er calcium aluminate (CaO-2Al(2)O(3)) catalysts, either unpromoted or promoted with small amounts of Ni (0.1-0.5 wt%), at medium temperature s (800 degrees C) and methane-to-oxygen ratios of 2:1. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen appear to be primary products of the reaction, along wit h carbon dioxide and small amounts of C-2+ hydrocarbons. Methane conve rsions of 35% and carbon monoxide-to-carbon dioxide ratios of 0.5-0.6 are obtained with the unpromoted or 0.1 wt% Ni-promoted catalysts at c omplete oxygen consumption. Near thermodynamic equilibrium synthesis g as mixtures are realized with the 0.5 wt% Ni-promoted calcium aluminat e catalyst at sufficiently long gas contact times.