Multiple isotope tracing of methanation over nickel catalyst: II. Deuteromethanes tracing

Abstract The methanation of mixtures of carbon monoxide and hydrogen was studied by a novel isotope transient tracing technique using deuterium. Concentrations of CHxads intermediates on the surface of the working catalyst are estimated. The most abundant species are Cads and CHads with CH2 ads and CH3 ads being present in smaller proportions. Evidence is presented that the mechanism involves sequential unidirectional hydrogenation of the intermediates by atomic adsorbed hydrogen.