Catalytic Oxidation of Gaseous Organics

The reaction rate constants for the oxidation of methane in air were determined for 10 catalysts at temperatures from 573 to 873 K. In order of decreasing reaction rate constant, the most promising catalysts were Rh, Pd, and Pt-on-Al₂O₃. Decrease in catalytic activity with time upon exposure to air at 673 K was lowest for Rh followed closely by Pd and then Pt. Increasing the reactor pressure from ∼100 to 690 kPa significantly increased the reaction rate of both the Rh and Pt catalysts.