Effect of activated carbon on the dispersion of Ru and K over supported Ru-based catalyst for ammonia synthesis

A series of Ru-based activated carbon supported catalysts for ammonia synthesis were prepared by impregnation. The effects of activated carbon and their oxygen surface groups on the dispersion of Ru and promoter K were investigated. The different treatment ways of activated carbons are also used in order to study the effect of these groups. TPD-MS, CO and CO2 pulse chemisorption were carried out to obtain better insight into the relation between the surface groups and the dispersion of Ru and K. The results showed that the surface groups could improve the hydrophilicity and the dispersion of Ru and K. Therefore, improve the ammonia synthesis activity of the catalyst. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.