Promotional effect of Sn addition to sulfated Pt/γ-Al2O3 catalysts on CH4 combustion. Effect of C3H8 addition

The effect of Sn addition to Pt/γ-Al2O3 and the effect of sulfating the bimetallic Pt–Sn/γ-Al2O3 catalysts are investigated for the combustion of methane in the presence and in the absence of C3H8. Sulfated Pt–Sn/γ-Al2O3 catalyst showed a higher thermal stability and higher activity on CH4–O2 reaction related to pre-sulfated 1%Pt/γ-Al2O3. C3H8 addition to the reaction feed resulted in a further strong promotional effect on methane oxidation over sulfated Pt–Sn/γ-Al2O3 catalysts. Reasons for these different effects are discussed. Results suggest that a sulfated Pt–Sn/γ-Al2O3 catalyst may eliminate methane emissions at low temperature without losing Pt active area, for these reactions and without being deactivated by sulfur.