Electron microscope observations of iron-catalyzed gasification of graphite
A well known catalytic effect of transition metals and particularly iron in contack with carbonaceous carbon exposed to oxidizing or hydrogenating atmospheres (02, CO-CO2, H2-H2O) has been investigated by scanning and high voltage transmission electron microscopy in a program aimed at determining the fundamental mechanisms of the gasification reactions. Samples of polycrystalline planchets and single crystal flakes of graphite were reacted at temperatures from 650°to 1100°C in “wet” and “dry” hydrogen . Quantitative electron microscope observations were supplemented by weight loss measurements and continuous gas chromatograph analysis of the CO and CH4, produced. Prior to exposure to the reacting gases, small particles of metallic iron are formed on the surface of single crystal graphite flakes or pressed carbon planchets by vacuum deposition of thin films ranging from 1 Å to 2000 Å in thickness.