Decomposition of formic acid on copper, nickel, and copper-nickel alloys: I. Preparation and characterization of catalysts

Abstract

Copper-nickel powders were prepared and shown to be monophasic, homogeneous alloys. Their surface composition was determined by strong hydrogen chemisorption with an assumed surface stoichiometry of 1:1 hydrogen to Ni. The surface analysis agrees with previous experimental and theoretical estimates. Nickel particles supported on silica were prepared. The metal dispersion was calculated from the uptake of strongly adsorbed hydrogen with a 1:1 stoichiometry of hydrogen to Ni surface atoms. The extent of Ni reduction, determined from dioxygen uptake measurements, was in excess of 80%. The titration of Cu surface atoms with oxygen from nitrous oxide on powders and alumina-supported Cu agrees with results of BET N 2 physisorption and X-ray line-broadening, respectively, when a surface stoichiometry of 2:1 Cu to O is assumed.