Ruthenium catalyst deposited on carbon and promoted with alkaline earth metal ions for ammonia synthesis

Activity of carbon based ruthenium catalysts promoted with alkaline earth m etal ions (Mg, Sr, Ba) has been studied. The thermally modified active carb on (1900 degrees C, helium) was used as a support of the catalysts. Rutheni um chloride was used as a precursor of the active phase. Activity measureme nts in the process of ammonium synthesis were curried out at 6 MPa. Barium was found to be the most effective promoter among studied ones, particularl y if introduced as nitrate. Barium promoted Ru/C catalyst exhibited several times higher reaction rate than fused industrial iron catalyst, particular ly at high conversions.