Studies of Promoted And Supported Catalysts With An Electron Probe Microanalyzer

Abstract

<p> Promoted and supported catalysts were studied with an electron probe microanalyzer. Investigations we re made on promoted fused iron ammonia synthesis catalysts regardirlg the general morphology of the catalysts, the distribution of promoters, and the reduction and poisoning processes . The effect of the promoters on the reduction process , the effect of the impurity silica on the promoter distributions and the nature of the poisoning are discussed. Supported catalysts were prepared by impregnating porous y-alumina spheres with solutions of chromium and/or copper compounds. Concentration profiles for chromium and/or copper , i.e., concentration as a function of distance from the center, were determined on sectioned spheres. Different distributions of these elements on the alumina support were obtained by varying the chemical used, the concentration and the amount of the solution impregnated. Explanations are given for the physical and chemical processes involved during the impregnation . The amount of chromium or copper impregnated is compared with the amount present in each particle. </p>