Electron distribution change of small nickel particles encaged in X zeolite in presence of Ce

Modifications of reactivity of metallic nickel highly dispersed in a zeolitic matrix, in the presence of Ce3+ ions, have been correlated to the existence of strong metal-support interactions. These interactions lead to changes in the electronic structure of the catalyst. A marked narrowing of the Ni 3d distribution is evidenced by means of electron induced X-ray emission spectroscopy. This narrowing is ascribed to a d band filling which may result both from the electrondonor character and the strongly polarizing power of the Ce3+ ions