1993. KRÖGER, C., AND MELHORN, G. [Action of Inorganic Additions as Single and Multiple Catalysts in the Water-Gas Reaction.] Brennstoff-Chem., vol. 19, 1938, pp. 157-169; Chem. Abs., vol. 32, 1938, p. 8744.

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Literature Abstracts

In apparatus and procedure previously described the action of various metal oxides on the gasification of graphite with steam at 600°-800° has been studied. Oxides with medium heats of formation were found most active. None, however, surpassed CuO, which gave 22% steam decomposition at 700°, graphite alone, only 6%. Next, in order of decreasing activity, were oxides of Cr, Ni, Fe, U, Tl, Mn, Co, and Al. Combinations of these did not increase effects. With alkaline carbonates, the order was K and Na, 32% decomposition at 660°, Rb, Cs, and least, Li. Greatest steam decompositions, 65% at 650°, were obtained with K₂CO₃ combined with CuO and Co₃O₄; these and NiO also gave results above the additive expectations. A ternary K-Ni-Co mixture gave results similar to K₂CO₃. The electronegative position of K is offered in explanation of its superior effect in reaction mechanisms offered. Formation of unsaturated hydrocarbons was observed in the reaction when additions of Hg, Te, Th, and U oxides, Li₂CO₃, and mixtures with K₂CO₃ were made to the graphite, ThO₂ producing 2.1% at 711°. Composition of the reaction gas showed that equilibrium is established beginning at 570° with activated graphite. No establishment of the Boudouard equilibrium was found. The literature is reviewed briefly, with 72 ref.

KRONIG, W. See abs. 3459.