Attapulgite clay supported Ni nanoparticles encapsulated by porous silica: Thermally stable catalysts for ammonia decomposition to COx free hydrogen

The ATP supported Ni catalysts possess a suitable specific surface area and pore volume, as well as nano-structure, which were tested in an ammonia decomposition for production of COx-free hydrogen. With an increase on Ni loading content from 10 to 50 wt % (theoretical value), the ammonia conversion increases gradually. Owning to porous silica enwrapping, the Ni-30/ATP@SiO2 catalysts show a higher specific activity (17.0 mol gNi−1 h−1, 650 °C) and stability than Ni-30/ATP catalysts.130