Characteristics of La-modified Ni-Al_2O_3 and Ni-SiO_2 catalysts for CO_x-free hydrogen production by catalytic decomposition of methane

Hydrotalcite precursors of La modified Ni-Al2O3 and Ni-SiO2 catalysts prepared by co-precipitation method and the catalytic activities were examined for the production of COx-free H2 by CH4 decomposition. Physico-chemical characteristics of fresh, reduced and used catalysts were evaluated by XRD, TPR and O2 pulse chemisorptions, TEM and BET-SA techniques. XRD studies showed phases due to hydrotalcite-like precursors in oven dried form produced dispersed NiO species upon calcination in static air above 450 C. Raman spectra of deactivated samples revealed the presence of both ordered and disordered forms of carbon. Ni-La-Al2O3catalyst with a mole ratio of Ni : La : Al = 2 : 0.1 : 0.9 exhibited tremendously high longevity with a hydrogen production rate of 1300 molH2 mol 1 Ni. A direct relationship between Ni metal surface area and hydrogen yields was established.

Surface Analysis of Carbon Steel Protected from Corrosion by a New Ternary Inhibitor Formulation Containing Phosphonated Glycine, Zn²⁺and Citrate

Studies on surface analysis of carbon steel protected from corrosion in low chloride and nearly neutral aqueous environment by a synergistic mixture containing N,N-bis(phosphonomethyl) glycine (BPMG), zinc ions and citrate ions are presented. The effect of addition of citrate to the binary system, BPMG-Zn2+, is quite significant and is well explored through various studies. The surface protective nature is maintained in the pH range 5 - 9. Potentiodynamic polarization studies inferred that the ternary inhibitor is a mixed inhibitor. Impedance studies of the metal/solution interface indicated that the surface film is highly protective against the corrosion of carbon steel in the chosen environment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis of the surface film showed the presence of the elements namely iron, phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon, oxygen and zinc. Deconvolution spectra of these elements in the surface film inferred the presence of oxides/hydroxides of iron(III), Zn(OH)2 and [Fe(III), Zn(II)-BPMG-citrate] heteropolynuclear multiligand complex. This inference is further supported by the reflection absorption Fourier transform infrared spectrum of the surface film. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is presented for both the corroded and protected metal surfaces. Based on all these results, a plausible mechanism of corrosion inhibition is proposed.

Lactobionic Acid as a New Synergist in Combination with Phosphonate-Zn(Ⅱ)System for Corrosion Inhibition of Carbon Steel

Studies on lactobionic acid introduced as a synergist in the presence of phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid （PBTC） and zinc ions for corrosion control of carbon steel in aqueous environment are presented. The investigations revealed that lactobionic acid （LBA） acts as an excellent synergist in corrosion inhibition. Optimum concentrations of all the three components of the ternary formulation are established by gravimetric studies. Potentiodynamic polarization studies indicate that the new ternary system is a mixed inhibitor. Impedance studies show that a protective film is formed on the metal surface in the presence of the inhibitor formulation. The film is found to exhibit its protective nature even at higher temperatures up to 60 ~C. Analysis of the protective film by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS） and reflection absorption Fourier transform infrared （FTIR） spectroscopy infers the presence of Zn（OH）2, oxides and hydroxides of iron and the inhibitor molecules in the surface film probably in the form of a complex, [Zn（II）-PBTC-LBA]. The morphological studies by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and the topographical studies by atomic force microscopy （AFM） also indicate the presence of protective film on the metal surface. A plausible mechanism of corrosion inhibition is proposed.