XPS, SSIMS, TGA, FTIR, AND SEM STUDIES OF CATALYTIC PYROLYSIS OF METHANE OVER Ni:Cu/Al- AND Ni:Cu:K/Al-MODIFIED SUPPORTED NANO-CATALYSTS

Abstract

The surface interaction of Ni:Cu/Al- and Ni:Cu:K/Al-modified catalyst has been studied using X-ray photo electron studies (XPS), static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SSIMS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and temperature programmed desorption (TPD). These techniques revealed that during catalytic studies of methane conversion to carbon nano tubes and hydrogen, the active metals are converted into different ionic and non ionic states coupled with formation of bimetallic/trimetallic oxides. The addition of potassium modified the metal active sites through ensemble effect by donating electrons to the catalytic multiple active sites. These species are responsible for the control of surface morphology and product selectivity during the catalytic reactions.