Preparation of noble metal nanocatalysts and their applications in catalytic partial oxidation of methane

A series of noble metal catalysts (Ru, Rh, Ir, Pt, and Pd) supported on alumina-stabilized magnesia were prepared and employed in partial oxidation of methane. The prepared catalysts were characterized using BET, SEM, TEM and H2S chemisorption techniques. The results revealed that the Ru and Rh catalysts had the highest activity in catalytic partial oxidation of methane. Based on the obtained results the following order of activity was observed for different catalysts in partial oxidation of methane: Rh ∼ Ru > Ir > Pt > Pd. The obtained results also showed a high catalytic stability without any decrease in methane conversion up to 50 h of reaction.