The effect of the nature of the support on catalytic properties of ruthenium supported catalysts in partial oxidation of methane to syn-gas

The effect of the carrier on catalytic properties of ruthenium supported catalysts in partial oxidation of methane (POM) was investigated. A variety of supports differed in texture and reducibility (Al₂O₃, SiO₂, TiO₂, Cr₂O₃, CeO₂ and Fe₂O₃) were used. The catalyst activity is governed by ruthenium phase formation (RuO₂ → Ru⁰), and it depends on redox properties of the support as well as support-ruthenium phase interaction. The activity of Ru supported catalysts decreases in the order Al₂O₃ ≈ SiO₂ > Cr₂O₃ > TiO₂ > CeO₂ > Fe₂O₃. No significant effects of the specific surface area and porosity of catalysts on the methane conversion and selectivity of CO formation were found. The selectivity of CO₂ formation (total oxidation of CH₄) under conditions of POM (a ratio of CH₄/O₂ = 2) is associated with the contribution of reducible support oxides into the catalytic performance.