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Title: Surface studies of WO/sub 3//Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and Ni/W/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalysts

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6525418

This study has provided a comprehensive picture of the nature of the tungsten species present in WO/sub 3//Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and Ni/W/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalysts. It has been shown that WO/sub 3//Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and MoO/sub 3//Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalysts are very similar structurally. Preliminary results for Ni/W/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalysts have shown that the promoting action of Ni is different than that of Co in Co/Mo/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalysts. Results led to the following conclusions: (1) At low loading (< 15% WO/sub 3/) the surface tungsten species is a tetrahedrally coordinated WO/sub 4//sup 2 -/ interaction complex. (2) Between 15 to 24% WO/sub 3/ a polymeric WO/sub 3/ (octahedral) species is formed in addition to the tetrahedral interaction species. (3) Above 24% WO/sub 3/ crystallites of bulk WO/sub 3/ formed on top of the tungsten monolayer. (4) No detectable amounts of Al/sub 2/ (WO/sub 4/)/sub 3/ were presented in any of the catalysts studied. (5) The tungsten interaction species are not reducible while the bulk WO/sub 3/ deposited above 24% WO/sub 3/ is reduced to metallic W. (6) Nickel ions are incorporated into the tungsten monolayer displacing a portion of the tungsten interaction species. (7) The nickel species are completely reduced to metallic Ni. (8) The comparative x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ESCA) Laser Raman Spectroscopy (LRS) and Low Energy Ion Scattering Spectroscopy (ISS) studies demonstrate the complimentary nature of these techniques for the study of heterogeneous catalysts. 6 figures, 3 tables.

Research Organization:
Pittsburgh Univ., PA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-79ER10485
OSTI ID:
6525418
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/10485-T3; ON: DE83007299
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English