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Further studies of the nickel/graphite-hydrogen reaction

Journal Article · · J. Catal.; (United States)

A combination of electron microscopy and hydrogen chemisorption techniques has been used to probe the causes for the unusual loss in catalytic activity of nickel particles in the graphite-hydrogen reaction. This deactivation, which occurs at about 1000/sup 0/C, is associated with the spreading of material along the sides of channels created catalytically at lower temperatures. Detailed quantitative analysis of this phenomenon indicates that nickel is progessively laid down as a near-monolayer film on the walls of the channels while the particles move forward. Nickel deposited in this manner strongly interacts with hydrogen ''sorbed'' by the graphite and therefore has a poor activity for C-C bond rupture (carbon gasification) and a low hydrogen chemisorption capacity. Removal of ''sorbed'' hydrogen at 1000/sup 0/C, under vacuum or in inert gas environments, not only results in carbon gasification, but also in removal of Ni-H interactions and formation of Ni-C bonds (a surface carbide which does not adsorb H/sub 2/). These Ni-C bonds are broken by steaming at 1000/sup 0/C and the hydrogen chemisorption capacity is restored.

Research Organization:
Exxon Research and Engineering Co., Linden, NJ
OSTI ID:
6847407
Journal Information:
J. Catal.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Catal.; (United States) Vol. 75:2; ISSN JCTLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English