CO2 reforming and partial oxidation of methane

CO₂ reforming and partial oxidation of CH₄ were investigated on different supported noble metal and Ni catalysts. A detailed thermodynamic analysis was performed for both reactions. The observed reaction behaviour can be predicted by thermodynamics. Product selectivity is catalyst independent, the role of the catalyst is to bring the reactants to approach equilibrium. The partial oxidation is a two-stage process, total oxidation of CH₄ is followed by CO₂ and H₂O reforming of the remaining CH₄. A staged addition of O₂ to the reactor is tested and recommended. TPSR show that the catalyst surface for CO₂ reforming was highly covered with carbonaceous species of four different types; two were identified as reactive intermediates.