Catalysis of carbon gasification

The conversion of carbon to its oxide gases or methane, by interaction with oxygen, steam, hydrogen or carbon dioxide, are reactions of great practical importance. The oxidation of carbon to $CO2$ and CO provides much of mankind's heat and power, and the formation of “syngas” (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) by steam gasification of carbon is an important step in the conversion of coal to synthetic petroleum (PHYSICS TODAY, August 1978, page 32). These reactions, together with the hydrogenation of carbon to form methane, and its interaction with $CO2$ to form CO, are the principal gasification reactions of carbon.