Oscillatory Behaviour of Ni Supported on ZrO in the Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Methane as Determined by Activation Procedure.

Ni/ZrO catalysts, active and selective for the catalytic partial oxidation of methane to syngas (CH-CPO), were prepared by the dry impregnation of zirconium oxyhydroxide (Z) or monoclinic ZrO (Z), calcination at 1173 K and activation by different procedures: oxidation-reduction () or direct reduction (). The characterization included XRD, FESEM, in situ FTIR and Raman spectroscopies, TPR, and specific surface area measurements. Catalytic activity experiments were carried out in a flow apparatus with a mixture of CH:O = 2:1 in a short contact time.