In-Situ XAS for Niobium Oxide Catalyst on Hydrogen Absorption and Desorption of Magnesium

Abstract

  The variation of the niobium (Nb) oxide catalyst during hydrogen absorption and desorption reactions was investigated by in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Results indicated that H₂ was easily dissociated on the catalyst because the hydrogen absorption kinetics was significantly improved, and then the hydrogen atoms were diffused through inside of the catalyst. Thus, the catalytic mechanism of Nb oxides is different from that of conventional metal catalysts, in which the dissociated H is moved on the surface of catalyst.