Catalysis Letters, Vol.103, No.1-2, 149-153, 2005
The activation of a Pd/gamma-alumina catalyst during methane combustion: investigation of the phenomenon and of potential causes
Activation phenomena of a Pd/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst under methane combustion reaction conditions were studied. The activation of the catalyst with time-on-stream is not due to Cl removal from the surface but seems to be related to sintering of the palladium particles. This could induce structural changes in the palladium particle, which would favor the activation of O-2 on the surface of PdO.