Catalytic oxidation of methane on CuO/Al$_2$O$_3$/FeAlO/FeAl cermet catalysts

The activity of plates of CuO/Al$_2$O$_3$/FeAlO/FeAl ceramic metal structured catalysts is compared by varying the alumina content in them. The catalysts were prepared by impregnation of the ceramic metal carriers obtained by mechanochemical activation of powder mixtures of an alumina precursor (20–50% (wt.)), iron and aluminum, followed by hydrothermal treatment and calcination. It is shown that with increasing content of the alumina precursor (product of thermal activation of hydrargillite) increases the specific surface area of the carrier and meso- and macropore volume and reduces its mechanical strength. The content of the active component (CuO) also increases, resulting in an increase in the specific activity of the catalyst despite a reduction in the effectiveness of using the active component. The activity of catalysts with a medium concentration of alumina is sufficient to initiate oxidation of methane.