Methane activation over unsupported and La₂O₃-supported copper and nickel catalysts

Methane was pulsed over pure CuO and NiO as well as Cu/La₂O₃ and Ni/La₂O₃ catalysts at 600°C. Results indicate that the mechanisms for methane activation over copper and nickel are quite different. Over CuO, methane is converted to CO₂ and H₂O, most likely via the combustion mechanism; whereas metallic copper does not activate methane. Over NiO in the presence of metallic nickel sites, methane activation follows the pyrolysis mechanism to give CO, CO₂, H₂ and H₂O. Similar results were obtained over the Cu/La₂O₃ and Ni/La₂O₃ catalysts. XRD investigations indicate that copper and nickel existed as CuLa₂O₄ and LaNiO₃ respectively in the La₂O₃-supported catalysts. The effect of La₂O₃ on the activation of methane is discussed.