Abstract: The effect of calcination temperature for the support and catalyst on the catalytic properties of the Pd/Al₂O₃ catalyst for lean methane combustion was investigated. The Pd/Al₂O₃ catalyst was prepared by the impregnation method using Al₂O₃ support calcined at 500–1 300 °C. All catalyst samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, surface area measurements, temperature-programmed desorption of NH₃, and temperature-programmed oxidation of O₂. Calcination temperature significantly affected the catalyst activity and stability. As the calcination temperature increased, the structure of the support and the amount and intensity of the acid sites changed obviously, and the dispersion of the active component and the interaction between the support and active component decreased. The proper calcination temperature for the Al₂O₃ support was 1 100 °C, and the optimal calcination temperature for the Pd/Al₂O₃ was 200 °C. This catalyst showed high thermal stability and catalytic activity.

Key words: palladium, alumina, methane, catalytic combustion, calcination temperature