Amorphous alloys as catalysts for hydrogen oxidation

Oxidation of hydrogen was carried out by using catalysts obtained from Fe-, Co- and Ni-based amorphous alloys. The alloys were treated with 20% HNO3, 40% HF and oxidized at high temperature. The rate constant k (m−2s−1) and the activation energy Ea (kJ mol−1) of the process are determined. The untreated alloys showed a catalytic activity with respect to hydrogen oxidation. The preliminary oxidation of the alloys, acid treatment and followed oxidation increased the catalytic activity of the Fe- and Ni- based amorphous alloys and decreased the activity of the Co-based alloys.