PARTIAL OXIDATION OF METHANE TO SYNGAS USING NIO-SUPPORTED CATALYSTS

Claims for the partial oxidation of methane to CO and H-2 have been cl ouded by the possibility of the indirect reaction sequence occurring a t hot spots in the catalyst bed. In this report, we claim that the dir ect reaction occurs on NiO/silica at 500 degrees C with methane conver sions as high as 80% and selectivities for H-2 Of 80% and CO of 70%. A rguments are presented to show that the amount of diluent gas employed prevents formation of local hot spots with temperatures high enough f or the indirect reaction to occur. Consequently, this study constitute s one of the most convincing reports for the conversion of CH4 to syng as by the partial oxidation of methane. The catalyst deactivates in 10 h. Surface studies show coke formation and aggregation of NiO contrib ute to the loss of activity.