Partial oxidation of methane on Rh/TiO2 catalysts: Effects of the titania precursor and the presence of tungsten oxide

Sol–gel methods and organic and inorganic precursors of titania were used for preparation of the monolithic catalysts, Rh/TiO2. Techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, porosimetry, temperatured programmed reduction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, were utilized to characterize the monolithic catalysts. Results of the short contact-time partial oxidation of methane revealed the promoting role of tungsten. This study demonstrates that the catalyst prepared from titanium isopropoxide is more effective in the production of synthesis gas.