Partial oxidation of methane by Rh supported on multiple ceramic carrier

Abstract

The partial oxidation of methane using Rh catalyst supported on MgO, ZrO₂, CeO₂ mixed ceramics was examined for the production of synthesis gas from natural gas. From the study of respective effect of ZrO₂ and CeO₂ addition to MgO, high methane conversion and selectivities to H2 and CO were obtained at the mixture ratio of ZrO₂ and CeO₂ to MgO of unity. Futhermore, the highest performance was found when the support material of MgO:ZrO₂:CeO₂=1:1:1 was used. From the results of contact time dependence and pulse experiments, it was suggested that the direct partial oxidation proceeded as well as oxidative reforming of methane.