Method of preparing ammonia and ammonia synthesis catalysts

US4789538A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Standard Oil Company · US

Inventors

• Larry M. Cirjak · Burton, US
• Richard P. Schmidt · Plainfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 17, 1987
• Grant date: Dec 6, 1988
• Expiry date: Jul 17, 2007

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P20/52
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for producing ammonia comprising selecting a catalyst precursor characterized by the formula: EQU A.sub.y M.sub.a [M'(CN).sub.c ].sub.b .multidot.n H.sub.2 O wherein PA1 A is an alkali or alkaline earth metal or mixture thereof; PA1 M is La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Sc, Lu and Y or mixtures; PA1 M' is a group VIII metal, preferably Fe, Co, Ni or Ru or mixtures; PA1 a=0.1 to 4; PA1 b=0.1 to 4; PA1 c=4 to 6; and provided that the catalyst is free or substantially free of Al or the combination of Al and U, activating the precursor by heating in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and pass N.sub.2 and H.sub.2 over the activated catalyst to produce ammonia.