Abstract: Pt/MgO catalyst samples with different Pt loading were prepared by wet impregnation.X-raydiffraction,X-rayphotoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microcopy, and temperature-programmed surface reaction were used to characterize the catalyst samples. Partial oxidation of methane (POM) to syngas was performed in a fixed-bed microreactor. The results indicated that the Pt/MgO catalyst exhibited high activity and selectivity. The conversion of methane and selectivity for CO and H2 remained constant up to 120 h. The dispersed Pt existed in a metallic state, which was responsible for the high activity in the POM reaction. Both the state and the dispersion of active Pt were very stable, together with the high ability to resist carbon deposition, and therefore the catalyst showed high stability in the POM reaction.

Key words: platinum, magnesia, supported catalyst, methane, partial oxidation, syngas