Abstract: The production of synthesis gas by partial oxidation of methane in oxygen has been examined over Ni/ α-Al₂O₃ catalyst promoted by noble metals(Rh, Ru, Pt and Pd), especially with Pt. The reactivity is considered in conjunction with the result of H₂ TPR, CO TPD, SEMand XRD. It is found that small amount of Pt results in a great improvement of activity for the Ni/ α-Al₂O₃ catalyst. The activity order is : Rh-Ni>Pt-Ni≈Ru-Ni>Pd-Ni, meantime the Pt improves the stability of Ni/ α-Al₂O₃ catalyst except for Pd which is easy to be deactivated by carbon deposition. The results of TPD, SEMand XRDindicate that there is an interaction between Ni and Pt metals in the catalyst. The interaction increases the dispersions of Pt and Ni, the presence of Pt suppresses the growth and the migration of Ni grains over the surface of the catalyst.

Key words: Noble metals, Ni/ α-Al₂O₃ catalyst, Partial oxidation of methane, Synthesis gas