Characterization of alumina-supported uranium oxide catalysts in methane oxidation

Synthesis of alumina-supported uranium oxide catalysts and their characterization in methane oxidation have been performed. The catalysts containing 5% U were prepared by impregnation, solid-phase synthesis and mechanical mixing techniques. Samples were studied using BET, XRD, HRTEM and XPS methods. It was shown that physicochemical properties and activity of the catalysts depend on the preparation procedure and calcination temperature and are determined by the extent of the interaction between active component and support. Most active are the catalysts prepared by impregnation of alumina with an aqueous solution of uranyl nitrate. It was found that the 5%U/Al2O3 catalyst calcined at 1000 °C has the highest catalytic activity, and it is explained by the formation of highly active nanodispersed state of uranium on the surface of the support.