Characterisation of Co/Mg/Al2O3 high pressure partial oxidation catalysts

Coprecipitated Co/Mg/Al2O3 catalysts were synthesised (Mg/Co/Al ratio 1:1:2 and 1:3:4) and characterised by TPR, TEM, XRD and BET. The materials catal ysed the partial oxidation of methane to CO and H-2 (1:2 ratio) at 20 bar p ressure (conversions of 75-95%). The catalyst deactivated with time on line (20% reduction in conversion in 150 min). BET analysis revealed that sinte ring of the catalyst occurred during the catalytic reaction. Further, large quantities of carbon were formed in the post bed part of the reactor. TEM analysis of the carbon revealed cobalt embedded carbon rods. (C) 1999 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.