INITIAL ACTIVATION OF PLATINUM-RHODIUM GAUZES FOR THE CATALYTIC-OXIDATION OF AMMONIA

Studies have been made of the activation of platinum-rhodium gauze catalysts for the oxidation of ammonia, using optical microscopy, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and electron spectroscopy to characterize the surfaces. The initial washing procedure is found to remove calcium and to reduce carbon residues on the surface, as a result of which the catalyst is active at lower temperatures. Subsequent activation in a hydrogen flame or in oxygen causes surface rearrangements and results in rhodium enrichment at the surface: this latter trend is partially reversed in the early stages of the oxidation of ammonia. Water vapor is found to deactivate the activated gauze. © 1979.