Nickel-containing catalysts for methane oxidation to synthesis gas

The partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas was studied on oxides of metals of variable valence (Mn, La, Cr and Ni), supported on a carrier – ɣ-Al2O3. Among the catalysts studied, the sample of 3% Ni/ɣ-Al2O3 showed the best characteristics by yields of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the reaction of partial oxidation of methane. The optimal conditions of the process (the reaction temperature of 850 °C, the volume rate of 4500 h-1, and the ratio CH4: O2 = 2:1) cause the increase the concentration of hydrogen and carbon monoxide to 72.2 and 75.3%, respectively. The effect of the heat-treatment temperature and textural characteristics of the Ni/ ɣ-Al2O3 catalyst on its catalytic activity was studied. The NiCe/Al2O3 catalyst developed showed a high stability during 30 hours