Abstract: Rhodium-spinel catalysts with activity for efficiently catalyzing the net partial oxidation of methane at high selectivities for CO and H2 products are disclosed, along with their method of making. A syngas production process employing such catalysts for the net catalytic partial oxidation of a C1-C5 hydrocarbon (e.g., natural gas or methane) to a product gas mixture comprising CO and H2 is also disclosed. Preferred reaction conditions include maintaining the catalyst at a temperature of about 400-1,200° C., superatmospheric pressure, and flow rate sufficient to pass the reactant gas mixture over the catalyst at space velocities of at least about 100,000-25,000,000 hr?1.

Abstract: A process for the production of synthesis gas from light hydrocarbons such as methane includes the net catalytic partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock by contacting a feed stream comprising the hydrocarbon feedstock and an O2-containing gas with a catalyst in a reaction zone maintained at conversion-promoting conditions effective to produce an effluent stream of H2 and CO in a molar ratio of about 2:1. A preferred catalyst used in the process includes at least one catalytically active metal supported on a catalyst support comprising an aluminum-containing, oxide-dispersion-strengthened, alloy that has been treated to provide a protective oxide layer between the support and the catalytically active metal.

Abstract: Rhodium-spinel catalysts with activity for efficiently catalyzing the net partial oxidation of methane at high selectivities for CO and H2 products are disclosed, along with their method of making. A syngas production process employing such catalysts for the net catalytic partial oxidation of a C1-C5 hydrocarbon (e.g., natural gas or methane) to a product gas mixture comprising CO and H2 is also disclosed. Preferred reaction conditions include maintaining the catalyst at a temperature of about 400-1,200° C., superatmospheric pressure, and flow rate sufficient to pass the reactant gas mixture over the catalyst at space velocities of at least about 100,000-25,000,000 hr−1.