The catalytic properties of several supported metal catalysts on different carriers were studied in the partial oxidation of methane (POM) to syngas. In our experiment, supported noble metal catalysts exhibited better performance than the other supported transition metal catalysts. The catalyst performances were significantly influenced by the d-electron configuration of the active metal components and the dispersion of active metal components on the support. A catalyst with a moderate number of unpaired electrons in the d-orbital of the active metal support without obvious acidity or redox activity (e.g. MgO) was suitable for POM performance. The Rh/SiO2 catalyst was the best in the POM reaction, among those investigated. Reaction conditions apparently also affected the POM performance of the catalyst. The conversion of methane and the selectivity for CO increased with the reaction temperature, and a high CH4/O2 ratio was not beneficial for POM performance. The catalytic properties of several supported metal catalysts on different carriers were studied in the partial oxidation of methane (POM) to syngas. In our experiment, supported noble metal catalysts attemp better performance than the other supported transition metal catalysts. The catalyst features were significantly influenced by the d-electron configuration of the active metal components and the dispersion of active metal components on the support. A catalyst with a moderate number of unpaired electrons in the d-orbital of the active metal support without obvious acidity or redox activity (eg, MgO The Rh / SiO2 catalyst was the best in the POM reaction, among those investigated. Reaction conditions apparently also affected the POM performance of the catalyst. The conversion of methane and the selectivity for CO increased with the reaction temperature , and a high CH4 / O2 ratio was not beneficial for POM performance.