1. NOTE The Effect of Lanthanide Oxides as a Support for Ruthenium Catalysts in Ammonia Synthesis 2. Ruthenium is known to show significant activity for ammonia synthesis, particularly when promoted with alkali metal compounds, some showin... 1. NOTE The Effect of Lanthanide Oxides as a Support for Ruthenium Catalysts in Ammonia Synthesis
2. Ruthenium is known to show significant activity for ammonia synthesis, particularly when promoted with alkali metal compounds, some showing greater activity than iron catalysts under atmospheric pressure (1, 2). In fact, ruthenium catalysts may be regarded as second-generation ammonia catalysts right alongside iron catalysts. Currently, a type of ruthenium catalyst is already being used in a commercial ammonia plant (3), proving its potential for promising applications in industry.
3. In conclusion, we found that lanthanide oxides (CeO2, Sm2O3, La2O3) were the most effective supports for ammonia synthesis. Furthermore, a significant increase in activity was observed by reduction at high temperatures. Among lanthanide oxides, Ru/Sm2O3 and Ru/La2O3 were found to be more active while only Ru/CeO2 maintained stable activity for a long period of time. Our further studies will focus on the role hydrogen poisoning playing in these systems.