Papers by Author: Masahiko Demura

Abstract: The objective of this study is to investigate the catalytic properties of intermetallic Ni₃Fe foil. We fabricated Ni₃Fe foil of 30 µm in thickness by a metallurgical process, and examined the catalytic activity of the Ni₃Fe foil for methanol decomposition from 513 to 973 K. The Ni₃Fe foil showed activity for methanol decomposition above 623 K. The activity increased with the increase of reaction temperature. Surface analysis revealed that a surface structure of fine Ni-Fe particles dispersed on carbon nanofibers was formed on the foil during the reaction. The activity is attributed to the formation of this fine structure.

Abstract: This paper presents the characteristic features of the catalytic properties of the cold-rolled Ni₃Al foils for methanol decomposition which were developed in our group. Methanol was effectively decomposed into H₂ and CO over the foils above 713 K. The production rates of H₂ and CO increased with an increase of time during the initial period of reaction, indicating that the Ni₃Al foils were spontaneously activated under the reaction conditions. Surface analyses revealed that fine Ni particles dispersed on carbon nanofibers formed on the foils during the reaction. The high catalytic performance of the foils can be attributed to the spontaneous formation of this nanostructure during the reaction.