Abstract: Methane and carbon dioxide are produced by reacting steam with a carbonaceous feed material at a reaction temperature between about 1000.degree. F. and about 1500.degree. F. and a reaction pressure in excess of about 100 psia in the presence of a carbon-alkali metal catalyst and equilibrium quantities of added hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The raw product gas withdrawn from the reaction zone is treated for removal of the carbon dioxide, product methane is recovered from the treated gas, and the remaining hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be recycled to supply the added hydrogen and carbon monoxide needed in the reaction zone.

Abstract: Methane is produced by contacting a mixture of carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide and hydrogen with a carbon-alkali metal catalyst at a temperature in the range between about 800.degree.F. and about 1500.degree.F. and at a pressure between about atmospheric and about 2000 psig. The catalyst employed may be prepared by heating an intimate mixture of coal, coal char, coke or other carbonaceous solids and an alkali metal salt, hydroxide or similar constituent. Such a catalyst promotes the methanation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and the formation of higher hydrocarbons by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction and at the same time is resistant to high temperature sintering and poisoning by sulfur compounds present in the feed gas. The catalyst can be regenerated if necessary by air oxidation.