The performance of supported and unsupported molybdenum carbide for the partial oxida-tion of methane (POM) to syngas was investigated. An evaluation of the catalysts indicates that bulk molybdenum carbide has a higher methane conversion during the initial stage but a lower selectivity to CO and H2/CO ratio in the products. The rapid deactivation of the catalyst is also a signi cant problem. However, the supported molybdenum carbide catalyst shows a much higher methane conversion, increased selectivity and signi cantly improved catalytic stability. The characterization by XRD and BET specic area measurements depict an improved dispersion of molybdenum carbide when using alumina as a carrier. The bulk or the supported molybdenum carbide exists in the -Mo2C phase, while it is transformed intomolybdenum dioxide postcatalysis which is an important cause of molybdenum carbide deactivation.