Co ₆ W ₆ N: mechanochemical synthesis, crystal structure, and catalytic activity for ammonia decomposition

Abstract Co 6 W 6 N has been prepared by a mechanochemical synthesis route and characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), hot gas extraction analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). In addition, group-theoretical methods were used to demonstrate the structural relation of Co 6 W 6 N to the rock salt type. Furthermore, the catalytic activity with regard to ammonia decomposition was investigated. It was confirmed that Co 6 W 6 N remains intact during ammonia decomposition.