Intermetallic Ni3Ga1 Catalyst for Efficient Ammonia Reforming of Light Alkane.

Ammonia reforming of light alkane is conventionally employed for HCN production where coproduct H2 is burned for heating owing to the high reaction temperature (1200 °C) of such a highly endothermic process. Here, we show that a Ni3Ga1 intermetallic compound (IMC) catalyst is highly efficient for such a reaction, realizing efficient conversion of C1-C3 alkanes at 575-750 °C. This makes it feasible for on-purpose COx-free H2 production assuming that ammonia, as an H2 carrier, is ubiquitously available from renewable energy. At 650 °C and an alkane/ammonia ratio of 1/2, ethane and propane conversion of ∼20% and methane conversion of 13% were obtained (with nearly 100% HCN selectivity for methane and ethane) over the unsupported Ni3Ga1 IMC, which also shows high stability due to the absence of coke deposition. This breakthrough is achieved by employing a stoichiometric Ni3Ga1 mixed oxalate solid solution as the precursor for the Ni3Ga1 IMC.