Characterization of a Raney type nickel-molybdenum wire mesh catalyst

A Raney type Ni-12%Mo wire mesh catalyst was developed by Dr. T.J. Gray of the Olin corporation. The authors have carried out chemical, catalytic, and spectroscopic examination of such a catalyst. The work was done under a grant from the Olin Coporation. The techniques employed were Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA), and hydrogenation kinetic studies. Samples were studied in both the leached and unleached states to help elucidate the mechanism by which the active phase forms. The hydrogenation activity of this catalyst was compared with other commercial catalysts. AES studies on catalyst cross-sections indicate that the molybdenum concentration in the active phases and their precursors is much less than the 12 weight % found in the original alloy. Auger composition data also reveal aluminum is at least as abundant as nickel in the active phases of the leached catalyst