| abstract |
Mixed metal carbide catalysts that are active for catalyzing the net partial oxidation of methane to CO and H2 are disclosed, along with their method of making. The preferred catalysts of the invention comprise a mixture of at least two carbided metals that are prepared by the reaction of the metal oxides, alkoxides or nitrates with a hydrocarbon of the formula CnH2n+2 wherein n is an integer from 1 to 4. Optionally, the catalysts include an additional promoter and/or a catalyst support. Preferred catalysts are at least 50 wt% molybdenum, tungsten or chromium, and also contain a second metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, chromium, iron, niobium, tantalum, rhenium, cobalt, copper, tin and bismuth. |