Metal carbide catalysts and process for producing synthesis gas

Mixed metal carbide catalysts that are active for catalyzing the net partial oxidation of methane to CO and H 2 are disclosed, along with their method of making. The preferred catalysts of the invention comprise a mixture of at least two carbided metals that are prepared by the reaction of the metal oxides, alkoxides or nitrates with a hydrocarbon of the formula C n H 2n+ 2 wherein n is an integer from 1 to 4. Optionally, the catalysts include an additional promoter and/or a catalyst support. Preferred catalysts are at least 50 wt% molybdenum, tungsten or chromium, and also contain a second metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, chromium, iron, niobium, tantalum, rhenium, cobalt, copper, tin and bismuth.