RESUMEN
Heusler alloys (X2 YZ) can be a candidate for new catalysts as well as other intermetallic compounds. We previously found good catalytic properties of Co2 FeGe for selective hydrogenation of alkynes and developed nanoparticles of Co2 FeGe supported on SiO2 . However, the average diameter of the nanoparticles was 23â nm, which is not small enough compared to those of state-of-the-art nanoparticle catalysts. In this study, we developed SiO2 -supported Co2 FeGe nanoparticles of <10â nm in diameter. A catalytic test for selective hydrogenation of propyne indicated a partial formation of sites with low selectivity including excess Co atoms. For ammonia decomposition, enhancement of turnover frequency was achieved by reducing the particle size.