Catalytic Properties of Ni-Zn Alloy Prepared by Mechanical Alloying for Steam Reforming from Methanol

摘要

Amorphous Zn_(65)Ni_(35) alloy, the composition of which lies between ?_1 - NiZn and ?-NiZn phases, was prepared by mechanical alloying for 200 hours. The alloy was heat treated at various temperatures and leached in NaOH solution in an effort to enhance the catalytic properties for hydrogen production from methanol. X-ray diffraction study revealed that the amorphous phase crystallized during the heat treatment to the equilibrium ?_1 - NiZn and ?-NiZn phases. It was found that Zn_(65)Ni_(35) alloy leached after heat treatment at 928 K showed the highest catalytic activity for steam reforming of methanol. It is believed that the enhanced catalytic activity of the Zn_(65)Ni_(35) alloy heat treated at 928 K is due to the dispersed Ni particles on ?_1 - NiZn matrix which was formed during leaching of the ?-Zn_(21)Ni_5 phase.