In-situ XAS-XRD study of structural changes in transition metal carbide catalysts for ammonia decomposition

Ammonia is being considered as an alternative hydrogen storage solution for hard to abate sectors. The current state of the art catalysts for low-temperature ammonia decomposition depend on Ru as the active phase, which because of its scarcity is both expensive and non-sustainable. Developing alternative catalysts based on more abundant materials is therefore crucial. Transition metal carbide catalysts have been suggested as viable alternatives, but little is known about their structural properties during ammonia decomposition. We propose to investigate the phase changes of transition metal carbide catalysts during catalyst activation (carburization of an oxide precursor) and ammonia decomposition. We aim to utilize in-situ XAS-XRD in combination with mass spectrometry to determine how structural changes in six different metal carbides based on Fe, Mo, and Co relate to catalytic performance during ammonia decomposition.