Synthesis of nanocrystalline nickel and iron carbides by decomposition of hydrocarbons

Decomposition of hydrocarbons was carried out on nickel and iron catalysts containing small amounts of calcium and aluminum oxides as structural promoters. Decomposition of methane, ethane and ethylene was studied under atmospheric pressure in the temperature range from 500 to 700 °C. The phase composition of the obtained samples was investigated using X-ray diffraction method. The role of nickel and iron carbides in the formation of carbon deposit was discussed.