MODEL OF ACTIVATION OF THE COBALT FOIL AS A CATALYST FOR CO2 METHANATION

A model related to variation in the concentration of active centers is proposed. Previously obtained experimental results are briefly review ed together with presentation of complementary results. The results ar e generalized in the assumptions of the model. Two steps of activation of the Co foil are distinguished: (1) formation of potential centers as referred to surface development during redox pretreatment, (2) tran sformation of potential centers into active centers via autocatalytic reduction by hydrogen contained in the methanation mixture. A good fit to the kinetic results and agreement with available experimental fact s verify the validity of the model. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Sci ence B.V.