Decomposition of carbon monoxide and its reaction with hydrogen on iron films under static conditions at pressures between 2 and 25 mbar and at temperatures between 373 and 573 K

Abstract When carbon monoxide is adsorbed on iron films at temperaturesT≥ 373 K carbon dioxide and carbon are formed. The Boudouard equilibrium is, however, not established at the chosen reaction conditions. In the presence of hydrogen the carbon monoxide adsorption leads to the formation of methane, carbon dioxide, and water. There is no correlation between the formation of water and of methane. The methane formation increases with both the increase in the total pressure and the increase in the partial pressure ratiopH2:pco. The ratio of the partial pressures of CO, H2, CO2, and H2Opoint to the establishment of the water gas equilibrium at medium temperatures.