Determination of reactive species for alumina-supported molybdenum carbidecatalysts for methane reforming using temperature-programmed reaction methods

The activities and surface properties of alumina-supported molybdenum carbi de catalysts used in methane reforming were studied. Hydrogen, ethane, ethy lene, and benzene were detected as the main products. The addition of oxyge n effectively regenerated the catalyst. Temperature-programmed reaction (TP R) experiments revealed that the surface molybdenum carbide species changes from beta-Mo2C to eta-Mo3C2 The addition of CO2 to the feedstream reduced the formation of graphitic carbon on the catalyst surface, increasing the c atalyst lifetime for benzene formation.