Catalytic oxidation of methane on CuO/Al2O3/FeAlO/FeAl cermet catalysts

The activity of plates of CuO/Al2O3/FeAlO/FeAl structured cermet catalysts is compared by varying their alumina content. The catalysts were prepared by impregnation of cermet supports obtained by mechanochemical activation of powder mixtures of an alumina precursor [20–50% (wt.)], iron, and aluminum, followed by hydrothermal treatment and calcination. It is shown that increasing the content of the alumina precursor (product of thermal activation of gibbsite) increases the specific surface area of the support and the mesopore and macropore volumes and reduces its mechanical strength. The content of the active component (CuO) also increases, resulting in an increase in the specific activity of catalyst despite a reduction in the effectiveness of using the active component. The activity of catalysts with a moderate concentration of alumina is sufficient to initiate methane oxidation.