Supported rhodium-lanthanide based catalysts and process for producing synthesis gas

摘要

A family of supported hexagonal phase mixed metal oxide catalysts are disclosed that have the general formula M2.5LnRh6O13 (expressed as atomic ratios), wherein M refers to Group II elements such as Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr and Be or a Group VIII transition metal that can exist in a +2 oxidation state, such as Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Nb, Pd, Cd and Ta. Ln refers to the rare earth lanthanide group of elements, such as La, Yb, Sm and Ce. This family of catalysts demonstrate unexpected activity for efficiently catalyzing the net partial oxidation of methane in a short contact time reactor, with high selectivities for H2 product.