Mordenite-stabilised rhenium catalyst for partial oxidation of methane to syngas

Partial oxidation of methane (POM) to syngas, a mixture of CO and H-2, has remained a challenge for utilising natural gas efficiently. Rhenium (Re) shows unique catalytic activity in this reaction, but it is easily deactivated by oxidation. This work shows that mordenite (MOR)-supported Re catalyst is significantly more active and resistant to oxidising conditions than typical oxide-supported Re catalysts. POM with Re/MOR produces CO in 52% yield and H-2 in 55% yield at a low temperature of 600 & DEG;C. Characterisation of the catalysts has indicated that MOR stabilises low-valent Re species that work for POM. The low-valent Re species produces CO from methane in the presence of O-2, presumably via a direct oxidation pathway.