Partial Oxidation of Methane to Syngas via Formate Intermediate Found for a Ruthenium–Rhenium Bimetallic Catalyst

Partial oxidation of methane (POM) is a potential technology to increase the efficiency synthesizing mixture CO and H2 called syngas, in comparison steam reforming processes. Recently, supported metals modified with Re have emerged as active catalysts for POM. However, role this reaction has been unclear. Here, we demonstrate that addition Ru/Al2O3 catalyst changes mechanism. The bimetallic oxidizes CH4 mainly via formate. After all O2 used, reverse water-gas shift take place yield H2. This contrast Ru/Al2O3, which catalyzes POM mostly by complete CO2 H2O subsequent reactions. In catalyst, main Ru reduce species, reduced species produces formate from also accelerates reaction. dual roles total catalytic performance. These results show player rather than simple promoter