Y. Niwa, K. Aika
Aug 1, 1996
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Influential Citations
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Journal
Journal of Catalysis
Abstract
Ruthenium is known to show significant activity for ammonia synthesis, particularly when promoted with alkali metal compounds, some showing greater activity than iron catalysts under atmospheric pressure. In fact, ruthenium catalysts may be regarded as second-generation ammonia catalysts right alongside iron catalysts. Currently, a type of ruthenium catalyst is already being used in a commercial ammonia plant, proving its potential for promising applications in industry. In this systematic study, lanthanide oxides were found to be effective promoters of the Ru catalyst. One of the roles of the lanthanide promoter is the release of hydrogen poisoning which subsequently retards the activation of dinitrogen. 18 refs., 6 figs.