Surface modifications of γ-Al2O3, SiO2 and SnO2 supports by titania grafting and their influence in the catalytic combustion of methane

The influence of the Ti-grafting of γ-Al2O3, SiO2 and SnO2 over Pd-supported catalysts and the presence of CO2 as co-feeding, in the catalytic combustion of methane, were investigated. Important modifications in the catalytic performances due to grafting of supports were observed. The grafting method leads to formation of titania nanoparticles on the support surface. The interaction between Ti and support, changes in the size of Pd particles, changes in the acidity of supports could explain the modifications in catalytic performances due to grafting. The catalytic performances depend on the nature of the support and are different when CO2 is introduced in the feed. CO2 could play an important role, increasing or inhibiting the catalytic performance.