Analysis of Catalytic Properties of Ni3Al Thin Foils for the Methanol and Hexane Decomposition

Intermetallic Ni3Al – based alloys belong to a group of advanced materials characterized by good chemical and physical properties (such as structural stability, corrosion resistance) which offer advenced technological applications. The paper presents the study of catalytic properties of Ni3Al foils (thickness approximately 50 &m) in the methanol and hexane decomposition. The egzamined material posses microcrystalline structure without any additional catalysts on the surface. The better catalytic activity of Ni3Al foils with respect to quartz plates in both methanol and hexane decomposition was confirmed. On thin Ni3Al foils the methanol conversion reaches approximately 100% above 480 oC while the hexane conversion reaches approximately 100% (98,5%) at 500 oC. Deposit formed during the methanol decomposition is built up of carbon nanofibers decorated with metal-like nanoparticles.

Authors:

• M. Michalska-Domańska
• P. Jóźwik
• Z. Bojar

Keywords:

• hexane decomposition
• methanol decomposition
• Ni3Al thin foils
• Ni nanoparticles

References:

[1] V. K. Sikka, S. C. Deevi, S. Viswanathan, R. W. Swindeman, M. L.
Santella, "Advances in processing of Ni3Al-based intermetallics and
applications", Intermetallics 2000, No. 8.
[2] Narendra B. Dahotre, S. Nayak, ÔÇ×Nanocoatings for engine application",
Surface & Coatings Technology 194 (2005) p. 58- 67.
[3] Y. Xu, S. Kameoka, K. Kishida, M. Demura, A. Tsai, T. Hirano,
ÔÇ×Catalytic properties of alkali-leached Ni3Al for hydrogen production
from methanol", Intermetallics 13, 2005, p. 151-155.
[4] Y. Ma, Y. Xu, M. Demur, T. Hirano," Catalytic stability of Ni3Al
powder for methane steam reforming", Applied Catalysis B:
Environmental 80, 2008, p. 15-23.
[5] Y.Xu, M. Demura, T. Hirano," Effect of alkali leaching on the surface
structure of Ni3Al catalyst", Applied Surface Science 254,
2008,p.5413-5420.
[6] J. H. Jang, Y. Xu, M. Demurab, D. M. Wee, T. Hirano," Catalytic
activity improvement of Ni3Al foils for methanol decomposition by
oxidation-reduction pretreatment", Applied Catalysis A: General 398,
2011, p. 161-167.
[7] M. S. Wilson, ÔÇ×Methanol decomposition fuel processor for portable
power applications", International journal of 34, 2009, p 2955-2964.
[8] Y. Choi, H. G. Stenger, ÔÇ×Fuel cell grade hydrogen from methanol on a
commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst", Applied Catalysis B:
Environmental 38, 2002, p. 259-269.
[9] T. Tsoncheva, S. Vankova, D. Mehandjiev, "Effect of the precursor and
the preparation method on copper based activated carbon catalysts for
methanol decomposition to hydrogen and carbon monoxide", Fuel 82,
2003, p. 755-763.
[10] S. Todorova, A. Naydenov, H. Kolev, K. Tenchev, G. Ivanov, G.
Kadinov," Effect of Co and Ce on silica supported manganese catalysts
in the reactions of complete oxidation of n-hexane and ethyl
acetate",Journal of Materials Science 46 (22), 2011, p. 7152-7159.
[11] J.H. Jang, Y. Xu, D. H. Chun, M. Demura, D. M. Wee, T. Hirano,"
Effects of steam addition on the spontaneous activation in Ni3Al foil
catalysts during methanol decomposition", Journal of Molecular
Catalysis A: Chemical 307 (2009) 21-28.
[12] A.V. Narlikar, & Y.Y. Fu, ÔÇ×Oxford Handbook of Nanoscience and
Technology: Frontiers and Advances", Oxford Univer. Press, Oxford,
2009.