Mechanism of the partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas on a silica-supported nickel catalyst

Abstract

In the present study we investigated the mechanism involved in the partial oxidation of methane with oxygen to synthesis gas on a reduced silica-supported nickel catalyst in an isothermal fixed-bed reactor at temperatures up to 920 K. Firstly, the deep oxidation of methane with oxygen to carbon dioxide and water proceeds. Subsequently, the remaining part of the methane reacts with the initially formed water and carbon dioxide to synthesis gas. The final hydrogen-to-carbon monoxide ratio is determined by the water-gas shift conversion.