SYNGAS PRODUCTION FROM NATURAL-GAS USING ZRO2-SUPPORTED METALS

Samples containing 1 wt% of Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pd and Pt supported on zir conia have been tested for the steam reforming of methane at temperatu res from 400 degrees C to 800 degrees C. The Pt, Pd and Ni materials w ere found to be the most active. Stability tests at 800 degrees C show ed that the Pt sample was the only stable catalyst, significant carbon deposition occurring on the other samples. Partial oxidation and CO2 reforming of methane were also carried out over the Pt/ZrO2 catalyst a nd this material was found to be quite stable under the conditions for these reactions. Additional CO2 reforming and partial oxidation exper iments were carried out using feeds to which steam was added. The H-2/ CO ratio could be manipulated, depending on the feed composition used. The addition of steam during partial oxidation gave a much more stabl e temperature profile through the catalyst bed than was obtained under pure partial oxidation conditions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.