Investigation of the Degradation Mechanism of Platinum-Rhodium Catalytic Wires during Oxidation of Ammonia Process

Abstract

In our investigation we focused on effects of the degradation of Pt-Rh gauzes from three different industrial catalytic systems. The aim of the study was to compare the degree and the mechanism of degradation under different conditions (pressure, temperature, gas flow direction). The investigation was performed on about 80μm diameter wires after long (6 months) exposition to chemically aggressive environment. Microscope observations and microtomography analysis showed that all wires surfaces were strongly developed by etching and deposition processes occurring under extreme conditions. Each wire differed in rate of degradation and morphology of the characteristic cauliflower-shape growths. Also differences in elements distribution on both, surface and cross sections, were observed. Obtained results can be basis of further investigation on improvement of endurance of PtRh alloys in high temperature chemical application.