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 degrees 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 C-1-C-3 alkanes at 575-750 degrees 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 degrees C and an alkane/ammonia ratio of 1/2, ethane and propane conversion of similar to 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.