GAS-PHASE DECOMPOSITION OF FORMIC-ACID OVER ALPHA-FE2O3 CATALYSTS

alpha-Fe2O3 catalyst samples were used for the decomposition of formic acid, in the gas phase. These catalysts were produced by calcination of Fe(NO3)3 . 9H(2)O for 5 h, in air, in the temperature range 200-600 degrees C. All catalysts were characterized by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, the surface area (S-BET) of these samples as well as the acidity and the basicity were determined. The catalytic gas-phase decomposition of formic acid was studied over alpha-Fe2O3 samples, at 200 degrees C, in a flow sys tem. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and formaldehyde were identified as the decomposition products using gas chromatography. A correlation between the acid-base characters of the used catalysts, and the rate o f the decomposition products has been made. Also, a reaction mechanism is discussed.