Surface characterization of model Urushibara catalysts

Surface characterization of model Urushibara catalysts was carried out using ESCA, AES, and SEM. The surface of the Urushibara precursors consists primarily of precipitated nickel covered with a thick oxide coating of Zn or Al, depending on which metal was used to precipitate the nickel from solution. Residual chloride salts of Ni and Zn were also detected on the surface. The precipitated nickel is shown to be sandwiched between the surface oxide layer of Zn or Al and the residual Zn or Al metal used to precipitate the nickel.