Specific performance of silica-coated Ni catalysts for the partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas

Silica-supported Ni catalysts were prepared by using water-in-oil typed microemulsion. By preparation using the microemulsion, Ni metal particles with diameters < ca. 5 nm were covered uniformly with silica layers with thickness of ca. 10 nm, whereas Ni metal particles were supported on the outer surface of silica by a conventional impregnation method. The Ni metal covered with silica (coat-Ni) showed excellent catalytic performance for the partial oxidation of methane into synthesis gas. Coat-Ni showed a high activity and a long life for the partial oxidation of methane at temperatures above 973 K to form CO and hydrogen, whereas Ni metal catalyst supported on silica was rapidly deactivated for the reaction. Ni K-edge XANES/EXAFS and temperature-programmed reduction for these catalysts showed that Ni metal particles in coat-Ni strongly interacted with silica. The strong interaction of Ni metal particles with silica would improve their catalytic performance for the partial oxidation of methane into synthesis gas.