A comparative study of Pt/CeO2 catalysts for catalytic partial oxidation of methane to syngas for application in fuel cell electric vehicles

In the framework of a project aimed at developing a reliable hydrogen generator for mobile Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells, particular emphasis has been addressed to the analysis of catalysts able to assure high activity and stability in transient operations (frequent start-up and shut-down cycles). In this paper, the catalytic performance of 1 at% Pt/ceria samples prepared by coprecipitation, impregnation and combustion, has been evaluated in the partial oxidation of methane. Methane conversion and hydrogen selectivity of 96 and 99%, respectively, associated with high stability during 100 h of reaction under operative conditions (start-up and shut-down cycles), have been obtained.