Intermetallic Ni₃Ga₁ Catalyst for Efficient Ammonia Reforming of Light Alkane

Ammonia reforming of light alkane is conventionally employed for HCN production where coproduct H₂ is burned for heating owing to the high reaction temperature (1200 °C) of such a highly endothermic process. Here, we show that a Ni₃Ga₁ intermetallic compound (IMC) catalyst is highly efficient for such a reaction, realizing efficient conversion of C₁-C₃ alkanes at 575-750 °C. This makes it feasible for on-purpose CO-free H₂ production assuming that ammonia, as an H₂ carrier, is ubiquitously available from renewable energy. At 650 °C and an alkane/ammonia ratio of 1/2, ethane and propane conversion of ∼20% and methane conversion of 13% were obtained (with nearly 100% HCN selectivity for methane and ethane) over the unsupported Ni₃Ga₁ IMC, which also shows high stability due to the absence of coke deposition. This breakthrough is achieved by employing a stoichiometric Ni₃Ga₁ mixed oxalate solid solution as the precursor for the Ni₃Ga₁ IMC.