TITLE: Synthesis and characterization of Fe colloid catalysts in inverse micelle solutions.

AUTHOR: A. Martino;   M. Stoker;   M. Hicks.

INST.  AUTHOR: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM.

SPONSOR: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Department of Energy [DE],  1995,  15p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: DE96000786INW

NOTES: Coal liquefaction and gas conversion contractor review meeting, Pittsburgh, PA (United States), 29-31 Aug 1995. Sponsored by Department of Energy, Washington, DC.

ABSTRACT:

We have studied the formation of Fe clusters in inverse micelles. We have characterized the clusters with respect to size with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and with respect to chemical composition with Mossbauer spectroscopy, electron diffraction, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, we have tested these iron based clusters for catalytic activity in a model hydrogenolysis reaction. The formation of ultra-small metal particles is of particular interest in the area of chemical catalysis. The clusters are high surface area, highly dispersed, unsupported materials. In addition, catalytic enhancement due to unique material properties (i.e. quantum size effects) is possible. Metal clusters prepared by a number of techniques have been studied as potential catalysts. Reactant adsorption and the reactivity in various processes depends strongly on particle size. We are studying iron clusters as potential catalysts in hydrogenation reactions, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and coal liquefaction.

REPORT  NUMBER: SAND-95-2181C;   CONF-9508133-6

CONTRACT  NUMBER: AC04-94AL85000