Ruthenium-based catalysts supported on carbon xerogels for hydrogen production via ammonia decomposition

Carbon xerogels were synthesised and used as support of ruthenium-based catalysts for the ammonia decomposition reaction. To improve their physical-chemical properties, carbon either activated in dioxide atmosphere (for 1 5 h), or doped with nitrogen via co-precursor method, using urea source. Un-promoted sodium-promoted ruthenium prepared by incipient wetness impregnation. All tested during reaction (1 atm, 100–600 °C), showing high catalytic activity. The h activation treatment resulted a decrease oxygen surface groups (i.e. 11 wt%) on surface, an increase structure crystallinity 15% TBurn) xerogels, resulting higher rate 3.5-fold at 450 °C). Similarly, addition to had positive effect basicity, enhancing performance triple sodium conferred enhancement each catalyst up 9 times Two runs performed all catalysts, test reproducibility catalysts. It was found that un-promoted exhibited rates 3.5 °C) second run due larger particle size, whereas similar activity both presence oxide avoiding sintering particles.