The oxygen separation membrane having perovskite structure for the partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas was prepared. La0.7Sr0.3Ga0.6Fe0.4O3-delta (LSGF) perovskite membrane coated with La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-delta (LSC) (M1), and the one side of M1 membrane coated with NiO (M2) was prepared to examine the partial oxidation of methane. The single oxygen permeations of the LSC + LSGF (M 1) membrane and NiO coated membrane (M2) were measured. The oxygen permeation flux in M1 membrane was higher than that of M1 membrane at 850 degrees C. The partial oxidation experiment of methane using the prepared membranes was examined at 850 degrees C. The value of CH4 conversion and CO selectivity of M2 membrane was higher than that of M I membrane. NiO/NiAl2O4 catalyst was used to improve the methane conversion, and the partial oxidation experiment of methane with M1 membrane was examined at 850 degrees C. The CH4 conversion was 88%, and CO selectivity was 100%. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.