Synthesis and Properties of a Novel Catalyst for the Combustion of Methane. Annual Report July 1988-July 1989

摘要

The objective of the research was to develop criteria for the combustion of methane. Methane oxidation over supported platinum and palladium catalysts has been found to be a structure-sensitive reaction. On alumina, platinum and palladium can form either a dispersed phase or a crystalline phase, depending on the amount of metal deposited and the preparation conditions. All of the metal atoms of the dispersed phase are exposed to the gas. Under reaction conditions, the dispersed phase is completely oxdized to the corresponding metal oxide. Conversely, the crystalline phases of platinum and palladium are not oxidized under reaction conditions. Instead, the surface of the crystals are covered with a layer of oxygen. The turnover rates for methane oxidation are higher on palladium than on platinum and are higher on the crystallites than on the dispersed phase.