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Synthesis and properties of a novel catalyst for the combustion of methane. Final report, January 1986-December 1989

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6162500

The objective of the research, which was funded by the Physical Sciences Department of the Gas Research Institute, was to understand how to design precious metal catalysts for methane combustion. These catalyst must be stable in the combustion environment and exhibit high rates of oxidation. The authors have found that palladium on alumina does not lose active surface area in air below 900C. Whereas, platinum vaporizes above 600C. The rate of methane oxidation per exposed metal atom depends on the metal used, platinum or palladium, and whether the metal is completely oxidized or covered with adsorbed oxygen during reaction. The percentage of metal oxidized depends on the size, morphology and crystallinity of the metal particles. The relative rates of methane oxidation are: dispersed PtO2: dispersed PdO: crystalline Pt: crystalline Pd = 1:6:16:100.

Research Organization:
California Univ., Los Angeles, CA (USA). Dept. of Chemical Engineering
OSTI ID:
6162500
Report Number(s):
PB-91-112755/XAB; CNN: GRI-5086-260-1247
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English