3137.     SCHUSTER, F., PANNING, G., AND BUELOW, H.  [Methane Formation in Carbon Monoxide- and Dioxide-Containing Gas Mixtures With Various Nickel Catalysts.]  Brennstoff-Chem., vol. 16, 1935, pp. 368-369; Coal Carbonisation, vol. 1, 1935, p. 127; Chem. Abs., vol. 30, 1936, p. 3967.

        After referring to Fischer and Pichler’s observations on the effects of Ni-Al catalyst in the formation of CH₄ from mixtures of CO₂, CO, H₂, the authors present the results of their own investigations with town gas subjected to water-gas catalysis (activated Fe oxide contact at 450° C. with steam) and then passed over electrically heated Ni contacts.  The results confirm Fischer and Pichler’s observations.  The effects of different catalysts vary, and the following cases have been found:  (1) Selective hydrogenation of CO, the CO₂ being attacked after complete conversion of CO; (2) simultaneous hydrogenation of both oxides without preferential complete conversion of either; (3) simultaneous hydrogenation of both oxides with preferential complete conversion of CO to CH₄.  In (2) and (3), the formation of CH₄ depends upon the ratio of CO to CO₂ and excess H₂.  With Ni catalysts the reaction continues to water-gas equilibrium after CH₄ catalysis has been poisoned.