| Abstract Scope |
Novel catalytic properties are often exhibited in intermetallic compounds due to surface ordered structures and unique electronic structures. Catalysis is usually investigated using nanoparticles precipitated on oxide supports, which are prepared by liquid chemical processes. However, much effort is needed to optimize synthesis conditions for supported intermetallic nanoparticles, and of which reproducibility is not good. Thus, it is difficult to conduct a proper screening of intermetallic catalysts and a fundamental research comparing catalysis among different intermetallics. These problems can be solved by metallurgical synthesis. Many intermetallics can easily be synthesized by metallurgical methods including arc-melting with high reproducibility. Since intermetallics are usually brittle, powder catalysts can be obtained by crushing using a pestle and mortar. Such a powder is suitable for screening and fundamental research. Moreover, it is valuable if supported intermetallic nanoparticles can be synthesized by ball-milling, which must be reproducible and needs less effort to optimize synthesis conditions. |