In this paper, zirconium and cerium modified alumina were prepared by homogeneous precipitation with urea, and denoted as AlZC and AlZC-l with specific surface area of 200?m 2/g and 86?m 2/g, respectively. The catalytic oxidation of methane on Co, Mn, Fe and Ni transition metal supported on the modified alumina supports was then investigated. The highest catalytic activity was found on the Co supported catalyst, and methane conversions on these catalysts decreased in the order Co>Mn>Fe>Ni. On the other hand, 15% Co/AlZC showed higher activity than 2% or 5% Co/AlZC at the low temperature region; While the former catalyst is inferior to the latter one at the high temperature region. The similar result was observed on the supported Mn catalysts investigated. Addition of Mn to 10% or 15%Co/AlZC at?molar ratio of Mn∶Co=1∶1 would promote the methane conversion as well as the water vapor resistance ability particularly at the low temperature region. Further studies on such a promoting effect are believed to be helpful to develop a new catalyst with a still higher methane oxidation activity.
