Noble metal catalyzed preparation of Ni2P/α-Al2O3

Noble metal (Ru, Pd, and Pt) catalyzed preparation of Ni2P/alpha-Al2O3 was proved by XRD characterization. As is known from H-2-TPR experiments, Pd exhibits superior catalytic activity over Ru and Pt. These noble metal catalysts can be uniformly deposited on nickel phosphate precursors, and generate spillover hydrogen. Such a surface catalytic effect promotes the preparation of Ni2P/alpha-Al2O3, without avoiding the formation of the minor phase Ni12P5. They can also be homogeneously dispersed in nickel phosphate precursors, and boost bulk diffusion of oxygen during reduction process, this is termed the "bulk catalytic effect". It is feasible to produce pure phase Ni2P by the latter preparation method using 0.05 wt% Pd or 0.1 wt% Ru at 768 K. The bulk catalytic effect may be considered as a meaningful option for developing catalytic materials.