CHROMIUM-RARE EARTH BASED CATALYSTS AND PROCESS FOR CONVERTING HYDROCARBONS TO SYNTHESIS GAS

摘要

Catalysts and processes for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons to carbon monoxide and hydrogen employing new families of chromium-rare earth based catalysts are disclosed. One highly active and selective catalyst system, providing greater than 95 % CH4 conversion, and 97-98 % selectivity to CO and H2 by a net catalytic partial oxidation reaction, is a Ce-Cr-Ni containing compound. A preferred process for the catalytic conversion of a hydrocarbon comprises contacting a feed stream comprising a methane-containing hydrocarbon feedstock and an oxygen-containing gas with a chromium-rare earth containing catalyst in a short contact time reactor maintained at partial oxidation promoting conditions effective to produce synthesis gas.