Characterization of K-Promoted Ru Catalysts for Ammonia Decomposition Discovered Using High-Throughput Experimentation

We obtain H2 from low temperature NH3 decomposition using a new hollandite (KRu4O8) catalyst supported on γ-Al2O3 discovered using high-throughput experimentation and advanced TEM/SEM characterization. Relative to the base Ru° catalyst, this new catalyst shows NH3 conversion enhancements of 30–50% at T = 350 °C and decomposition activity at temperatures decreased by 50–100 °C. TEM analysis over the lifetime of the catalyst shows multiple phases and morphologies suggesting that the KRu4O8 behaves either as a new low-temperature decomposition catalyst or as a precursor to the active catalyst.