Novel Ru - K/Carbon Nanotubes Catalyst for Ammonia Synthesis

A novel ammonia synthesis catalyst, potassium-promoted ruthenium supported on carbon nanotubes, was developed. It was found that the Ru-K/carbon nanotubes catalyst had higher activity for ammonia synthesis ( 20.85 ml NH 3 /h/g-cat ) than the Ru-K/fullerenes ( 13.3 ml NH 3 /h/g-cat ) at atmospheric ressure and 623 K. The catalyst had activity even at 473 K, and had the highest activity ( 23.46 ml NH 3 /h/g-cat ) at 643 K. It was suggested that the multi-walled structure favored the electron transfer, the hydrogen-storage and the hydrogen-spill which were favorable to ammonia synthesis.