Catalytic combustion of ventilation air methane - an in depth study of catalyst deactivation

In this thesis, a systematic approach to the development of catalysts was undertaken for use in the combustion of ventilation air methane (VAM) as a potent greenhouse gas. The stability of the catalysts for long-term application is currently a significant, practical obstacle for the commercial adoption of the technology and presents an important role for research in this area. This challenge and our approach to it was focused on understanding the deactivation phenomena for different catalysts during catalytic combustion of VAM relating to water inhibition, catalyst sintering as a result of palladium migration and agglomeration, and also proposing the carbon deposition as a potential source of catalyst deactivation.