Ni-Cu and Ni-Co alloys: Synthesis, structure, and catalytic activity for the decomposition of chlorinated hydrocarbons

Homogeneous Ni x Cu 1 − x and Ni x Co 1 − x ( x = 0.90–0.99) alloys have been prepared through the coprecipitation of precursors (hydroxides or carbonates) and reduction of the precipitate. The formation of single-phase Ni x M 1 − x alloys in all of the samples has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction. We have assessed the catalytic activity of the alloys for 1,2-dichloroethane decomposition with carbon nanomaterial (CNM) formation. The highest catalytic activity (CNM yield, 26–27 g/g cat ) was offered by the nickel alloys containing ∼1 at % Cu or Co. The carbon material obtained has the form of segmented submicron wires with high morphological uniformity.