The catalyzed reaction of graphite with water vapor

Abstract The effects of Li, Na and K carbonates in catalyzing the reaction between graphite and water vapor have been studied in the temperature range 700–1100°C, using simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis. The catalyzed reaction, which is rapidly accelerated at temperatures in the vicinity of the melting point of the alkali metal carbonate, occurs most readily in the presence of the lithium salt. Thermodynamic analysis of the possible reactions suggests that the catalytic mechanism involves an oxidation-reduction cycle with the intermediate formation of the hydroxide of the alkali metal.