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Ni/γ-Al 2O 3 catalysts with different nickel loadings (4–27 wt%) were used for the synthesis of monoisopropylamine by the reductive amination of 2-propanol in the presence of hydrogen and ammonia. H 2-chemisorption analysis indicated that the highly reduced nickel metal surface area could be correlated with the enhancement of the 2-propanol conversion. During the reaction, the catalyst was progressively deactivated in the absence of hydrogen but its initial activity was completely recovered by re-exposure to the feed containing hydrogen. The deactivation was due to the formation of surface nickel nitride and excess hydrogen hindered the phase transition of the nickel metal to the corresponding nitride, ultimately preventing deactivation. Graphical Abstract: [InlineMediaObject not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electrolyte substrate (matrix) of a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) provides both ionic conduction and gas sealing. During the starting-up and operating of MCFC stacks at 923K, the matrix can experience mechanical stresses that can cause cracking. In particular, the pure α-LiAlO2 that is generally used for the MCFC possesses poor mechanical strength. In this study, we employed Al and Li2CO3 particles as reinforcement materials to increase the mechanical strength of the α-LiAlO2 matrix for its stable long-term operation. The mechanical strength of the matrix increased dramatically after adding Al particles into the pure matrix. Moreover, we operated a single cell for 2000h after adding Li2CO3 particles into the Al-reinforced matrix to prevent a Li-ion shortage caused by a lithiated Al reaction in the matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]