Insight into the structure of Pd/ZrO₂ during the total oxidation of methane using combined in situ XRD, X-ray absorption and Raman spectroscopy

The structure of palladium during the total combustion of methane has been studied by a combination of the complementary in situ techniques X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The study demonstrates that finely dispersed and oxidized palladium is most active for the oxidation of methane. Upon heating in the reaction mixture a sudden reduction accompanied by strong sintering of the palladium particles occurs leading to a less active catalyst. Raman spectroscopy combined with XAS shows that palladium is re-oxidized during cooling but is not as finely dispersed as in its prepared state.