High catalytic activity of hydrogenation of ethylene over an amorphous Ce Ni2Hx

Abstract

Hydrogenation of ethylene (C2H4) over intermetallic Ce Ni2 and amorphous Ce Ni2Hx have been investigated. Amorphous catalyzed hydrogenation of C2H4 much more effectively than intermetallic Ce Ni2. For amorphous Ce Ni2Hx, activity of the hydrogenation of C 2H4 was drastically enhanced by the presence of H 2 at low temperature (<40°C) in H2/C 2H4 whereas no activity was detected in He/C 2H4 even at 160°C. According to C2H 4 temperature-programmed desorption measurements, it is concluded that amorphous Ce Ni2Hx exhibits high activity due to its disordered structure where absorbed hydrogen plays an important role in the formation of active sites. © 2011 The Japan Institute of Metals.