Sulfur resistance and stability of yttrium-stabilized binary Co-Cu and Ni-Cu composites with zirconium dioxide in the oxidative conversion of methane

Binary Co-Cu and Ni-Cu composites with YSZ have demonstrated rather high thermal resistance (up to 1000 °C) and stability in the extensive oxidation of methane. The tendency of the nickel–copper composites to carbon deposition depends on the amount of nickel introduced. The higher stability was found for the sample with active phase containing 4% Ni, 16% Cu. The sulfur resistance of the palladium-doped Ni–Cu composite is attributed to the formation of an adsorbed PdO·SO₂] complex. TPHR data indicated that the oxygen in this sample is less reactive in methane oxidation.