Abstract

Co-precipitation cum modified Stöber method is a continuous process avoiding application of higher temperature treatment before supporting nano-metal with SiO2, irrespective of pre-experimented methods. We have resumed co-precipitation process without undertaking calcination under air in order to avoid even a partial particle agglomeration and hence maintained average particle size ~30nm after enforcing with SiO2. It is a first report adopting such an unceasing preparation for preparing metal/silicate nano-structures. Furthermore, Ni/SiO2 nano-structured catalyst used for thermocatalytic decomposition of methane to produce hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. Experimented catalyst found very stable and the methane transformation activity endured 300 minutes on methane stream without going much deactivation at temperature range 475°C-600°C and did not completely deactivated, irrespective of many reported catalysts designating the resistance capability of analyzed nano-structured catalyst. We have successfully extended catalyst preparation method for Fe and Co metals and conducted preliminary catalyst examinations.