The role of supported cobalt catalysts in the methane partial oxidation reaction.

Abstract

The partial oxidation of methane by air to synthesis gas over supported cobalt catalysts was studied. The investigation included analysis of the products of this reaction at various temperatures, and of the structure of the catalysts using powder X-ray diffraction techniques. The most effective catalyst for this reaction was found to be metallic cobalt supported on rhombohedral alumina (prepared as lO%Co/C/'r-A103)' In the presence of this catalyst 96% of tile feed was completely converted to synthesis gas (CO: 2H2) at lOOO°C. This catalyst showed no evidence of coking or loss of activity at lOfO°C over a period of 180 hours. The reaction mechanism is thought to occur in two stages over two distinct zones of the catalyst, Complete reaction of O2 with CH4 to form CO2 and H20 is followed, in the second stage, by reforming and the water gas shift reaction to produce synthesis gas.