Abstract: A combustor for supporting the catalytic combustion of a gaseous carbonaceous fuel/air combustion mixture contains a catalyst zone in which is disposed a catalyst body comprising at least a first and a second catalyst member and further contains a downstream zone where homogeneous combustion occurs. Each catalyst member is comprised of a carrier body having a catalyst material deposited thereon. The first carrier is made of a silica-magnesia-alumina material comprised primarily of cordierite, mullite and corundum and the second carrier is made of a ceramic fiber matrix material comprising ceramic (alumina-boron oxide-silica) fibers in a silicon carbide matrix.

Abstract: A catalyst bed (30) for a combustor (18) for supporting the catalytic combustion of a gaseous air/fuel (e.g., methane or natural gas) combustion mixture contains an igniter catalyst member (1) upstream of a promoter catalyst member (2). The catalyst members each comprise carrier monoliths, the igniter catalyst member (1) having an igniter catalyst material deposited thereon and the promoter catalyst member (2) having a promoter catalyst material deposited thereon. The igniter catalyst material is distinguished from the promoter catalyst material in one or more of the following ways: the igniter catalyst material may have (a) a higher catalytic activity for combustion of the air/fuel mixture, (b) a lower catalyst deactivation temperature than the promoter catalyst material, and/or (c) the promoter catalyst regeneration temperature range brackets the upper limit of the regeneration temperature range of the igniter catalyst.

Abstract: A sulfur-resistant CO, hydrocarbon and SO.sub.x oxidation catalyst is provided comprising silica particles which have been coated with titania or zirconia or precursors thereof and which have deposited thereon a precious metal such as platinum. The coated silica catalyst can be included in a washcoat for application to a ceramic honeycomb carrier.