The effects of selected cations and pH on the acute toxicity of copper (Cu) to barley root elongation were investigated to develop an appropriate biotic ligand model (BLM). The results showed that increasing activities of Mg2+ and Ca2+, but not Na+ and K+, linearly increased the EC50 (as Cu2+ activity).

Keywords: Ammonia decomposition Hydrogen generation Fuel cell

The main lines in the mechanism of the conversion of a CO/CO2/H2 feed into methanol over a Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst are now well established, and a large number of kinetic equations have been proposed.

The aim of this work is to study the catalytic properties of copper based catalysts used in the steam reforming of methanol. This method is known as one of the most favourable catalytic processes for producing hydrogen on-based. The catalysts investigated in this work are CuO/ZrO2 catalyst, which were prepared using different kind of preparation methods and a commercial CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst which was used as a reference. The results of the studies can be divided into three sections:

Ethanol is a renewable resource as it can be produced from biomass without contributing to the greenhouse gas emissions. Reforming of ethanol to produce hydrogen is a potentially attractive process. The reactions involved include steam reforming followed by water-gas shift and selective oxidation of CO. The development of suitable catalysts for these reactions is crucial for the viability of the process.

Hydrogen sulfide removal catalyst was prepared chemically by precipitation of zinc bicarbonate at a controlled pH. The physical and chemical catalyst characterization properties were investigated. The catalyst was tested for its activity in adsorption of H2S using a plant that generates the H2S from naphtha hydrodesulphurization and a unit for the adsorption of H2S. The results comparison between the prepared and commercial catalysts revealed that the chemical method can be used to prepare the catalyst with a very good activity.