The morphology of nickel-containing phases at each stage during the treatment of a 12%Ni/Si2 catalyst was studied. Liquid impregnated catalyst initially shows nickel nitrate uniformly dispersed on the surface of the silica in the form of a film. After calcining, large rafts of NiO with faceted surface pits are seen. The reduced catalyst contains bunched nickel particles or large rafts on the surface of the silica.
DOE contract number: FG05-85ER45186; AC05-84OR21400; AC05-76OR00033 OSTI Identifier 6246040 Research organization: Kentucky Univ., Lexington (USA). Dept. of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science. Research organization: Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc., TN (USA). Research organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA).