Combustion deposited metal-metal oxide catalysts and process for producing synthesis gas

摘要

Combustion dispersed metal-metal oxide catalysts that are highly active for catalyzing the net partial oxidation of methane to CO and H₂ are disclosed, along with their manner of making and processes for producing synthesis gas employing the new catalysts. A preferred catalyst comprises rhodium nanoparticles, with or without a rare earth promoter, that is deposited on &agr;-alumina by combusting a mixture of catalyst precursor materials and a flammable organic compound. In a preferred syngas production process a stream of reactant gas mixture containing methane and O₂ is passed over the catalyst in a short contact time reactor to efficiently produce a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen at superatmospheric pressures.