Syngas production from natural gas using ZrO₂-supported metals

Samples containing 1 wt% of Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pd and Pt supported on zirconia have been tested for the steam reforming of methane at temperatures from 400°C to 800°C. The Pt, Pd and Ni materials were found to be the most active. Stability tests at 800°C showed that the Pt sample was the only stable catalyst, significant carbon deposition occurring on the other samples. Partial oxidation and CO₂ reforming of methane were also carried out over the Pt/ZrO₂ catalyst and this material was found to be quite stable under the conditions for these reactions. Additional CO₂ reforming and partial oxidation experiments were carried out using feeds to which steam was added. The H₂/CO ratio could be manipulated, depending on the feed composition used. The addition of steam during partial oxidation gave a much more stable temperature profile through the catalyst bed than was obtained under pure partial oxidation conditions.