Effect of calcination on the structure of Ni/MgO catalyst: an X-ray diffraction study

Abstract

The progressive diffusion of Ni²⁺ ions into the MgO matrix, with the consequent formation of an Ni_xMg_(1–x)O solid solution, occurring during the air calcination of a 19% Ni/MgO catalyst in the range 400–1000 °C, has been monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements using monochromatized non-doublet synchrotron radiation. A solid-state reaction model accounting for the NiO–MgO interaction in supported and mechanically mixed systems is discussed.