Cobalt nanoparticles embedded in a porous carbon matrix as an efficient catalyst for ammonia decomposition

A metallic Co nanoparticle catalyst embedded in a carbon matrix was synthesized through a facile solvothermal method and subsequent thermal treatment. The synthesized Co-C precursors were calcined in N-2 and limited air atmosphere respectively, which were applied for ammonia decomposition. It was found that different thermal treatments have a significant effect on the catalyst microstructure, particle size, components and catalytic performance. Compared to the Co@C-700-N sample obtained in N-2 flow, the CoOx@C-700-A catalyst obtained in limited air atmosphere showed better activity with a similar to 55% NH3 conversion (500 degrees C and GHSV = 15000 h(-1)). Moreover, the structure sensitivity of NH3 decomposition over Co catalysts is proposed over a series of CoOx@C-A catalysts. With an increase of Co particle size, the catalytic activity showed an obvious decrease.