Development of a dual functional structured catalyst for partial oxidation of methane to syngas

Rh-LaCoO3 structured catalysts for the oxidative production of syngas from methane were developed by deposition of the active components on La-γ-Al2O3 washcoated honeycomb monoliths. SEM/EDS analysis showed a good adhesion of the washcoat layer and a uniform distribution of La and Co, while Rh was favourably located on the outer shell. Catalytic partial oxidation of methane was tested under both isothermal and pseudo-adiabatic conditions showing that the process can be conducted with high yield and selectivity and stable performance at short contact times over the novel catalysts, characterised by a limited content of noble metal and no need for pre-reduction. Further experiments of CO2 autothermal reforming indicated the possibility to enhance CO production and to reduce the H2/CO ratio through secondary endothermic reactions consuming CO2, which are autothermally self-sustained in a single catalytic reactor operated at short contact time by the heat generated through partial oxidation reactions.