Mechanism of the partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas over Pd

The partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas has been studied in an isothermal continuous flow reactor operated with the phases in plug flow, using a silica-supported palladium catalyst. The reaction mechanism involves the sequential combustion and reforming of methane. The catalyst bed is not uniform in terms of the composition of the palladium phase. The implications for investigations using a pulse apparatus are discussed. Finally, large palladium crystallites readily grow carbon filaments. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.