What type of catalyst was used in this experiment and how does it work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the type of nickel catalyst used in a specific experiment, exploring whether it is a pure metal or a compound, and the implications of its physical properties on the experiment's conditions. Participants also seek access to related literature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the nickel catalyst is simply nickel or a nickel compound, and what is meant by "xmetal catalyst" in terms of its definition.
  • Another participant provides a link to a related article, suggesting it may contain relevant information.
  • A request for free access to the article is made, indicating potential barriers to obtaining the information.
  • A suggestion is made to search for author reprints online, which may provide access to the desired material.
  • One participant expresses concern about the stability of Ni(NO3) hexahydrate at high temperatures, questioning its viability as a catalyst at 1160 degrees Celsius.
  • Another participant proposes that the catalyst may dissolve in its hydration water upon melting, which could explain its presence at elevated temperatures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the nickel catalyst and its behavior under high temperatures, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the definition of "xmetal catalyst" or the implications of the boiling point of Ni(NO3) hexahydrate in the context of the experiment.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in catalysis, chemical properties of nickel compounds, and experimental chemistry may find this discussion relevant.

Warpspeed13
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Can someone explain what type if nickel catalyst they used in this http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2010/March/16031001.asp experiment? Is it literally just nickel or is it a nickel compound? When someone says they used an xmetal catalyst is it literally just that metal or are all compounds containing that metal collectively called an xmetal catalyst?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Any idea where I could find the article free on the web? It looks like it costs money and it'll take my schools librarian a while to get it.
 
If you search on Google/Google Scholar for articles, you can often find author reprints posted on their personal/departmental websites, as was the case http://www.iris.ethz.ch/msrl/publications/files/Adv_Mater_2010.pdf (PDF document).
 
Cool thank you very much. I had no idea.
 
Probably a stupid question but the catalyst they used was Ni(NO3) hexahydrate, that has a boiling point of 136.7 degrees Celsius shouldn't it have all evaporated and been useless by the time they got the material to 1160 degrees Celsius?
 
It is an ionic salt, my bet is that what is happening is on melting it dissolves in its own hydration water and then the hydration water boils out, leaving anhydrous salt behind.
 

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