A study of catalytic actions at solid surfaces. X. -The interaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen as conditioned by nickel at relatively low temperatures. -A practical synthesis of methane

Abstract

The investigation described in this communication had for its primary object the production of formaldehyde or methyl alcohol. In this aim we have been so far unsuccessful, but our results have led to the discovery of an action, Apart from theoretical interest the method would appear to have important technical possibilities, either as a means of producing pure methane is formed from water-gas than by other methods. In order to make clear the course of the action about to be described it will be well briefly to enumerate some of the known interactions of carbon monoxide and hydrogen on the one hand, and of the former gas and steam on the other.