463.    CHAKRAVARTY, K. M.  Catalytic Formation of Methane From Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen.  IV.  Specific Nature of Promotor Effect on a Nickel Catalyst Using as Reactants Water Vapor and Equal Volumes of Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen.  Science and Culture, vol. 3, 1938, p. 396; Ztschr. Anorg. Chem., vol. 237, 1938, pp. 381-387; Chem. Abs., vol. 32, 1938, pp. 2818, 6535.

                  Apart from CH₄ formation a C-Ni catalyst containing thoria and ceria accelerates the formation of CO, CO₂, and H₂ from H₂O and C, but with K₂CO₃ the formation of C and CO₂ from CO is promoted.  The addition of a small quantity of a mixture of Ce nitrate and NH₄ vanadate or of Ce nitrate and Cr(OAc)₃ to the Ni(Oac)₂ used in preparing the catalyst brings about a more complete reduction of the Ni at 300°.  The formation of CO₂ and CH₄ is indirectly helped by them.  The thoria-ceria mixture increases the uniformity of the Ni particles, prevents granule formation on the surface and clogging of the pores of the pumice used, and prevents sintering.  At 400°-450° the Ni catalysts adsorb much CO₂.