REMARKABLE ACTIVITY ENHANCEMENT IN THE CATALYTIC COMBUSTION OF METHANE ON SUPPORTED PALLADIUM CATALYSTS

The activity of supported palladium catalysts for the combustion of methane has been determined. It has been observed that the activity increases with time on stream irrespective of whether the catalysts are pre-calcined or pre-reduced. Careful re-reduction experiments have shown that the enhanced activity is maintained. It is concluded that the increase in activity with time on stream is not attributable to slow variations in the chemical state of the palladium particles, but to changes in the morphology of the palladium crystallites under reaction conditions. The possible role of dissolved carbon in stabilising the reconstructed crystallites against reduction is discussed. © 1990 J.C. Baltzer A.G. Scientific Publishing Company.