Formation and catalytic properties of various nickel phosphates by addition of neodymium oxide

Neodymium oxide was added in the formation systems of various nickel phosphates (orthophosphate, diphosphate, and cyclo-tetraphosphate) from phosphoric acid and basic nickel carbonate. The thermal products were estimated by differential thermal analyses, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Specific surface areas of phosphates were calculated from the amount of nitrogen gas adsorbed at the temperature of liquid nitrogen by BET method and catalytic activities for decomposition reaction of NF3 were examined. From the obtained results, the influence of the addition of neodymium oxide on formation and catalytic properties of various nickel phosphates was clarified.