A methane oxidation catalyst and a method of making and using thereof

A sulfur-resistant, high activity methane oxidation catalyst for use in removing methane from gas streams having a concentration of methane by oxidizing the methane. The methane oxidation catalyst is especially useful in processing gas streams that also have a concentration of a sulfur compound. The sulfur-resistant methane oxidation catalyst includes a unique multi-crystalline zirconia as a support for a platinum component and a ruthenium component. The multi-crystalline zirconia contributes to the excellent properties of the catalyst. The platinum and ruthenium components can be included in the methane oxidation catalyst in a specific weight ratio that also contributes to the enhanced properties of the catalyst. The sulfur-resistant methane oxidation catalyst may also include a chloride component that contributes to enhanced properties of the catalyst.