Abstract: Partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas over Ni/α-Al₂O₃ promoted with rare earth oxides (La₂O₃, CeO₂, Pr₆O₁₁ and Nd₂O₃) has been investigated by powder X-ray diffraction and XPS. The catalytic activity,size of nickel crystallite, stability and carbon deposition of the catalysts were examined. Addition of rare earth oxide greatly improved the stability of Ni/α-Al₂O₃ . The SMSI between the active species of Ni and rare earth oxides depresses the growth and the migration of Ni, as well as the carbon deposition on the surface of the catalyst.

Key words: rare earth oxide, Ni/α-Al₂O₃, methane, catalytic oxidation, synthesis gas