Conversion of natural gas to synthesis gas using nickel catalyst

摘要

A process is described for converting gaseous lower alkanes, e.g. methane, into synthesis gas. In the process, a mixture of the alkanes and oxygen is subjected to partial oxidation in a reaction zone in the presence of a catalyst comprising a mesoporous aluminosilicate solid catalyst having the structure of MCM-41 with a silica-to-alumina ratio of about 5:1 to 1000:1 pore diameters of at least 5 Å and a nickel loading of about 5-20% by weight. This provides a high level of conversion of the alkanes as well as a high selectivity to formation of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.