Preparation and Characterization of Mg‐Zr Mixed Oxide Aerogels and Their Application as Aldol Condensation Catalysts

A series of Mg‐Zr mixed oxides with different nominal Mg/ (Mg+Zr) atomic ratios, namely 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.85, and 1, is prepared by alcogel methodology and fundamental insights into the phases obtained and resulting active sites are studied. Characterization is performed by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms, and thermal and chemical analysis. Cubic Mg_xZr_1?xO_2?x solid solution, which results from the dissolution of Mg²⁺ cations within the cubic ZrO₂ structure, is the main phase detected for the solids with theoretical Mg/ (Mg+Zr) atomic ratio ≤0.4. In contrast, the cubic periclase (c‐MgO) phase derived from hydroxynitrates or hydroxy precursors predominates in the solid with Mg/(Mg+Zr)=0.85. c‐MgO is also incipiently detected in samples with Mg/(Mg+Zr)=0.2 and 0.4, but in these solids the c‐MgO phase mostly arises from the segregation of Mg atoms out of the alcogel‐derived c‐Mg_xZr_1?xO_2?x phase during the calcination process, and therefore the species c‐MgO and c‐Mg_xZr_1?xO_2?x are in close contact. Regarding the intrinsic activity in furfural–acetone aldol condensation in the aqueous phase, these Mg? O? Zr sites located at the interface between c‐Mg_xZr_1?xO_2?x and segregated c‐MgO display a much larger intrinsic activity than the other noninterface sites that are present in these catalysts: Mg? O? Mg sites on c‐MgO and Mg? O? Zr sites on c‐Mg_xZr_1?xO_2?x. The very active Mg? O? Zr sites rapidly deactivate in the furfural–acetone condensation due to the leaching of active phases, deposition of heavy hydrocarbonaceous compounds, and hydration of the c‐MgO phase. Nonetheless, these Mg‐Zr materials with very high specific surface areas would be suitable solid catalysts for other relevant reactions catalyzed by strong basic sites in nonaqueous environments.     

Catalytic Performance of Modified HMCM‐22 Catalysts in Xylene Isomerization

HMCM‐22 catalysts modified with La₂O₃ (5% La) and MgO (≈0.87% Mg) were prepared respectively by impregnation method, and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, N₂ physical adsorption‐desorption and temperature‐programmed desorption of NH₃. The effect of supported metallic oxides (La₂O₃, MgO) on catalytic performance in xylene isomerization of C8 aromatics (ethylbenzene, m‐xylene and o‐xylene) was investigated in detail. The experimental results showed that 5% La/HMCM‐22 catalyst had higher isomerization activity and stronger shape‐selectivity than 0.87% Mg/HMCM‐22 catalyst, owing to its more acid sites and smaller pore size. And the loading amount of La was optimized to be about 7%. Moreover, supporting metal over 7% La/HMCM‐22, respectively with 0.3% Pt, 3% Ni and 3% Mo, was carried out to prepare bifunctional isomerization catalysts. In comparison, 3% Mo/7% La/HMCM‐22 showed the best catalytic performance with both high activity and high selectivity, with the low hydrocracking of m‐xylene and o‐xylene. Besides, the optimal reaction conditions were found: 340°C, 1.5 MPa H₂, WHSV 4 h^?1 and H₂/C8 4 mol/mol. Under the above conditions, ethylbenzene conversion was up to 20%, para‐selectivity was over 23% with low xylene loss of 2.9%.     

n-Hexane Isomerization by Pt/WO3-ZrO2 Using Hydrothermally Synthesized Hydrous Zirconia as Support

A series of hydrous zirconia samples were prepared by the hydrothermal method, and the Pt/WO₃-ZrO₂ catalyst was prepared by impregnation. The effects of hydrothermal temperature of Zr(OH)₄ on the isomerization activity of the catalyst was investigated. The crystalline structure, acidity, and reduction properties of the catalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction, NH₃ temperature-programmed desorption, and H₂ temperature-programmed reduction, respectively. The results indicated that the crystalline structure of hydrous zirconia and the catalyst varied with the hydrothermal temperature, and the increase of hydrothermal temperature reduced the fraction of tetragonal zirconia. Strong acid sites on the catalyst and the isomerization activity increased with the crystallization of Zr(OH)₄. It was proposed that the higher isomerization activity may be related to the existence of large numbers of strong acid sites.     

Promotional effect of acidic oxide on catalytic activity and N2 selectivity over CeO2 for selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH3

The CeO₂, CeO₂‐ZrO₂ and CeO₂‐WO₃ catalysts were prepared by hydrothermal method and used to the selective catalytic reduction of NO_x by NH₃. The addition of ZrO₂ or WO₃ into CeO₂ was favorable for pore structure, and then improved the number of active sites. Besides, the introduction of ZrO₂ into CeO₂ could improve the Lewis acid sites while WO₃ could contribute to the generation of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites, which could improve the catalytic performance and N₂ selectivity. The CeO₂‐WO₃ catalyst exhibited optimal catalytic activity with above 90% NO_x conversion performance at 220–425 °C and approximately 100% N₂ selectivity at 150–425 °C.     

Catalytic Properties of Nanoscale Iron‐Doped Zirconia Solid‐Solution Aerogels

Nanoscale iron‐doped zirconia solid‐solution aerogels are prepared via a simple ethanol thermal route using zirconyl nitrate and iron nitrate as starting materials, followed by a supercritical fluid drying process. Structural characteristics are investigated by means of powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analyses (TG/DTA), N₂ adsorption measurements and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The results show that the resulting iron‐doped solid solutions are metastable tetragonal zirconia which exhibit excellent dispersibility and high solubility of iron oxide. Further, when the Fe:(Fe+Zr) ratio x is lower than 0.10, all of the Fe³⁺ ions can be incorporated into ZrO₂ by substituting Zr⁴⁺ to form Zr_1?xFe_xO_y solid solutions. Moreover, for the first time, an additional hydroxyl group band that is not present in pure ZrO₂ is observed by DRIFTS for the Zr(Fe)O₂ solid solution. This is direct evidence of Fe³⁺ ions incorporated into ZrO₂. These Zr_1?xFe_xO_y solid solutions are excellent catalysts for the solvent‐free aerobic oxidation of n‐hexadecane using air as the oxidant under ambient conditions. The Zr_0.8Fe_0.2O_y solid‐solution catalyst demonstrates the best catalytic properties, with the conversion of n‐hexadecane reaching 36.2 % with 48 % selectivity for ketones and 24 % selectivity for alcohols and it can be recycled five times without significant loss of activity.     

Zr 改性MnOx/MWCNTs催化剂的结构特征与低温SCR活性

以ZrO（NO₃）₂·2H₂O为前驱体对多壁碳纳米管（MWCNTs）进行了改性并负载MnO_x制备了MnO_x/ZrO₂/MWCNTs 催化剂. 考察了Zr 对催化剂低温选择性催化还原（SCR）反应活性的影响,并通过多种分析手段对催化剂的结构进行了表征. 结果表明Zr 的添加对催化剂的低温SCR活性具有显著的促进作用,当Zr 负载量为30%时,催化剂活性最佳. X射线衍射（XRD）、拉曼（Raman）光谱、透射电镜（TEM）、N₂吸附-脱附的表征结果分析表明,适量的Zr 改性促进了MnO_x在载体表面的分散,增强金属氧化物与MWCNTs 之间的作用,也能增加催化剂的比表面积、孔容和孔径. X 射线光电子能谱（XPS）、H₂程序升温还原（H₂-TPR）和NH₃程序升温脱附（NH₃-TPD）的分析结果则显示,Zr 能提高催化剂表面化学吸附氧浓度,促进Mn³⁺转化为Mn⁴⁺,从而使催化剂表面的活性位点增多,氧化还原能力增强,同时还提高了催化剂表面酸性位点的数量和强度,促进了NH₃的吸附,是MnO_x/ZrO₂/MWCNTs 催化剂低温SCR活性提高的主要原因.     

Silica-Zirconia Sol–Gel Coatings Obtained by Different Synthesis Routes

Homogeneous xSiO₂-(1−x)ZrO₂ coatings have been prepared onto glass-slides, monocrystalline Si and stainless steel (AISI 304) using sols prepared via acid and basic catalysis. Zirconium tetrabutoxide (TBOZr), zirconium n-propoxide (TPZ), tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) were used as precursors of zirconia and silica, respectively. The different parameters involved in the synthesis procedure, as molar ratios H₂O/alkoxides, NaOH/alkoxides, and sintering temperature have been analysed, correlating the stability and rheological properties of the sols. The evolution and structure of the sols and coatings have been studied by FTIR. Coatings have been prepared by dipping from acid and basic sols. Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) technique has also been used to prepare coatings onto stainless steel from basic particulate sols in order to increase the critical thickness. A maximum thickness of 0.5 μ m was reached by both dipping and EPD process for 75SiO₂: 25 ZrO₂ composition. The critical thickness decreases with ZrO₂ amount depending strongly of the drying conditions. Si–O–Zr bonds have been identified by FTIR, indicating the existence of mixed network Si–O–Zr in the coatings obtained by the different routes. Crystallisation of ZrO₂(t) was only observed at high sintering temperature (900^∘C) by FTIR and confirmed by DRX.     

Preparation of superacid of ruthenium-sulfated zirconia for reaction of butane to isobutane

A highly active superacid of 2–4 wt.% Ru-sulfated ZrO₂ for the isomerization of butane to isobutane was obtained by exposing RuO_x/ZrO₂ to 1 N H₂SO₄ followed by calcining in air at 550°C. The RuO_x/ZrO₂ was prepared by impregnating zirconium hydroxide with a solution of RuCl₃ followed by drying at 300°C. The catalyst was much more active than the superacid of sulfated zirconia, the temperature difference to show the same conversion between both catalysts being more than 145°C.     

Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Template Based Efficient Pt/ZrO2@C Catalysts for Selective Catalytic Reduction of H2 Below 90 °C

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO_x with H₂ as a reductant is the most promising denitration technology at low temperature. Achieving the conversion of NO_x into N₂ at ambient temperature not only prolongs the service life of the catalyst, but also provides more freedom for the arrangement of denitration units throughout the flue gas treatment equipment. However, the development of highly efficient, stable, and environmentally benign supported platinum‐based catalysts for H₂‐SCR at ambient temperature is still a major challenge. Herein, a 0.5 wt % Pt/ZrO₂@C catalyst, which was composed of carbon‐coated octahedral ZrO₂ with highly dispersed Pt particles, was prepared by using a new stabilization strategy based on UiO‐66‐NH₂ (a zirconium metal–organic framework) as a template. The catalytic performance of this Pt/ZrO₂@C in H₂‐SCR was tested and confirmed to achieve near 100 % NO_x conversion at 90 °C. Also, 70 % N₂ selectivity of the catalyst was achieved. The morphology, structure, and porous properties of the as‐synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by using data obtained from field‐emission SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms. The results show that residual carbon formed by pyrolysis treatment is coated on octahedral ZrO₂, and effectively prevents the agglomeration of platinum particles on the surface.     

碱土金属氧化物改性ZrO2催化1,4-丁二醇选择性脱水合成3-丁烯-1-醇

采用浸渍法制备了碱土金属氧化物CaO,SrO或BaO改性的ZrO₂酸碱双功能催化剂,借助X射线衍射、低温N₂物理吸附、NH₃和CO₂程序升温脱附等手段表征了催化剂的结构、织构以及表面酸碱性质,并考察了其催化1,4-丁二醇选择性脱水合成3-丁烯-1-醇的反应性能.结果表明,碱土金属氧化物的引入显著调变了催化剂表面的酸性和碱性中心,进而对1,4-丁二醇转化率和3-丁烯-1-醇选择性产生重要影响.其中,CaO改性的ZrO₂样品中形成了大量的Ca-O-Zr结构,在ZrO₂表面形成大量碱性位点的同时,保持了较高的酸密度;而SrO和BaO改性的样品中生成了相应的锆酸盐,ZrO₂表面的酸密度呈现不同程度的下降.因此,CaO/ZrO₂催化剂表现出最优的催化活性和3-丁烯-1-醇选择性,350℃时,3-丁烯-1-醇收率最高,达60.5%.催化剂表面的酸碱协同作用是选择性合成3-丁烯-1-醇的关键因素.     

ZrO2‐Based Alternatives to Conventional Propane Dehydrogenation Catalysts: Active Sites,Design, and Performance

Non‐oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propene is an established large‐scale process that, however, faces challenges, particularly in catalyst development; these are the toxicity of chromium compounds, high cost of platinum, and catalyst durability. Herein, we describe the design of unconventional catalysts based on bulk materials with a certain defect structure, for example, ZrO₂ promoted with other metal oxides. Comprehensive characterization supports the hypothesis that coordinatively unsaturated Zr cations are the active sites for propane dehydrogenation. Their concentration can be adjusted by varying the kind of ZrO₂ promoter and/or supporting tiny amounts of hydrogenation‐active metal. Accordingly designed Cu(0.05 wt %)/ZrO₂‐La₂O₃ showed industrially relevant activity and durability over ca. 240 h on stream in a series of 60 dehydrogenation and oxidative regeneration cycles between 550 and 625 °C.     

Zirconyl schiff base complex-functionalized MCM-41 catalyzes dehydration of fructose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in organic solvents

A heterogeneous catalyst was prepared by immobilizing Zirconyl Schiff base complex on the modified MCM-41 and used in the conversion of fructose to HMF. A higher HMF yield was obtained when fructose as raw material under optimal reaction conditions.     

Synthesis of ceria–zirconia mixed oxide from cerium and zirconium glycolates via sol–gel process and its reduction property

Ceria–zirconia mixed oxide was successfully synthesized via the sol–gel process at ambient temperature, followed by calcination at 500, 700 and 900 °C. The synthesis parameters, such as alkoxide concentration, aging time and heating temperature, were studied to obtain the most uniform and remarkably high‐surface‐area cubic‐phase mixed oxides. The thermal stability of both oxides was enhanced by mutual substitution. Surface areas of the Ce_xZr_1?xO₂ powders were improved by increasing ceria content, and their thermal stability was increased by the incorporation of ZrO₂. The most stable cubic‐phase solid solutions were obtained in the Ce range above 50 mol%. The highest surface area was obtained from the mixed catalyst containing a ceria content of 90 mol% (200 m²/g). Temperature programmed reduction results show that increasing the amount of Zr in the mixed oxides results in a decrease in the reduction temperature, and that the splitting of the support reduction process into two peaks depends on CeO₂ content. The CO oxidation activity of samples was found to be related to its composition. The activity of catalysts for this reaction decreased with a decrease in Zr amount in cubic phase catalysts. Ce₆Zr₄O₂ exhibited the highest activity for CO oxidation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sol-Gel Preparation of Highly Active Sulfated Zirconia Supported by Alumina Catalysts

A series of sulfated mixed oxides of alumina and zirconia having a relative composition of 5% and 10% of ZrO₂ was prepared by means of sol-gel methods using zirconium propoxide or zirconium acetylacetone as precursor. The characterization of the physicochemical properties was carried out using ²⁷Al NMR, XRD, N₂ adsorption at 77 K, thermogravimetry, FTIR analysis of adsorbed pyridine, ²⁷Al NMR-MAS and XPS. The catalytic properties were studied by means of isomerization of n-hexane at 250°C. Results obtained allowed to propose that the use of Zr(acac)₄ as a zirconium precursor leads to a better retention of sulfate species which seems to form polymeric superficial sites. The symmetry of aluminium undergo an increase from tetrahedral to octahedral coordination and Zirconium atoms seems to be located in the second coordination sphere of Al. XRD analysis indicated an amorphous structure of obtained solids calcined at 650°C. The sulfated solids presented both Lewis and Brönsted acidic sites. Catalytic results showed that both activity and selectivity towards isomerization products were better using Zr (acac)₄ as precursor. Furthermore, the increase of the Zr loading affected considerably the catalytic properties of sulfated zirconia supported by alumina.     

Phase composition of Mg—Al mixed oxides,their activity and selectivity in the ethanol condensation reaction

Layered hydroxides with a molar ratio of metals Mg: Al: M = 3: 1: 1 (M = Fe, Ce, Zr, Cr) were prepared and served as a basis to obtain the mixed oxides MgAlO_x, MgAlCrO_x, MgAlCeO_x, MgAlZrO_x, and MgAlCrO_x. Powder X-ray diffraction was used to study the phase composition of the oxides. It was suggested that the catalyst active surface is related to the presence of spineltype X-ray amorphous compounds. Ammonia adsorption was used to determine the total acidity, and deuterated acetonitrile adsorption was applied to estimate the strength of acid sites. The catalytic properties of complex oxides were studied in the ethanol condensation reaction. An attempt was made to correlate the catalyst activity and selectivity and the distribution of acid and base sites on the catalyst surface.     

Effect of metals on the catalytic activity of sulfated zirconia for light naphtha isomerization

We studied on the function of the metal in the sulfated zirconia(SO₄^2–/ZrO₂) catalyst for the isomerization reaction of light paraffins. The addition of Pt to the SO₄^2–/ZrO₂ carrier could keep the high catalytic activity. The improvement in this isomerization activity is because Pt promotes removal of the coke precursor deposited on the catalyst surface. Though this catalytic function was observed in other transition metals, such as Pd, Ru, Ni, Rh and W, Pt exhibited the highest effect among them. It was further found that the Pd/SO₄^2–/ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ catalyst possessed a catalytic function for desulfurization of sulfur-containing light naphtha in addition to the skeletal isomerization. The sulfur tolerance of catalyst depended on the method of adding Pd, and the catalyst prepared by impregnation of the SO₄^2–/ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ with an aqueous solution of Pd exhibited the highest sulfur tolerance.Further, we investigated the improvement in sulfur tolerance of the Pt/SO₄^2–/ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ catalyst by impregnation of Pd. The results of EPMA analysis indicated that this catalyst was a hybrid-type one (Pt/SO₄^2–/ZrO₂–Pd/Al₂O₃) in which Pt/SO₄^2–/ZrO₂ particles and Pd/Al₂O₃ particles adjoined closely. This hybrid catalyst possessed a very high sulfur tolerance to the raw light naphtha that was obtained from the atmospheric distillation apparatus, although this light naphtha contained much sulfur. We assume that such a high sulfur tolerance in the hybrid catalyst is brought about by the isomerization function of Pt/SO₄^2–/ZrO₂ particles and the hydrodesulfurization function of Pd/Al₂O₃ particles. Besides, since the hybrid catalyst also provides high catalytic activity in the isomerization of HDS light naphtha, we suggest that the Pd/Al₂O₃ particles supply atomic hydrogen to the Pt/SO₄^2–/ZrO₂ particles by homolytic dissociation of gaseous hydrogen and also enhance the sulfur tolerance of Pt/SO₄^2–/ZrO₂ particles. Finally, we also propose the most suitable location of Pd and Pt in the metal-supported SO₄^2–/ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ catalyst.     

Highly Efficient Hydrogenation of Methyl Propionate to Propanol over Hydrous Zirconia Supported Ruthenium

Hydrous zirconia supported ruthenium catalyst Ru/ZrO₂·xH₂O, prepared by co‐precipitating ruthenium trichloride and zirconium oxychloride with ammonia, was able to catalyze efficiently methyl propionate to propanol under the mild conditions. In aqueous system, the propanol yield of >99% was achieved under the conditions of reaction temperature of 150°C and hydrogen pressure of 5.0 MPa, while in non‐aqueous system the maximum propanol yield was only 47.0%. FTIR spectra and hydrogenation results indicated that the high catalytic performance of Ru/ZrO₂·xH₂O in aqueous phase results from the cooperation effect between water as a solvent and hydroxyl groups on the surface of carrier.     

Influence of the preparation conditions of Pd‐ZrO2 and AuPd‐ZrO2 nanoparticle–decorated functionalised MWCNTs: Electron spectroscopy study aided with the QUASES

The Pd, AuPd, and ZrO₂ nanoparticle–decorated functionalised multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs) were reported as efficient catalysts of formic acid (FA) electro‐oxidation. Different preparation conditions influence their chemical and structural properties analysed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy aided with the quantitative analysis of surfaces by electron spectroscopy. Different reduction procedures such as NaBH₄, a polyol microwave‐assisted method (PMWA), and a high pressure microwave reactor (HPMWR) were applied for decorating ZrO₂/f‐MWCNTs with Pd and AuPd nanoparticles. The ZrO₂ nanoparticles are attached through oxygen groups to the surface of f‐MWCNTs. In NaBH₄ and HPMWR procedures, Pd nanoparticles precipitate predominantly on ZrO₂ of nearly nominal stoichiometry, whereas in PMWA procedure, Pd and AuPd nanoparticles precipitate predominantly on the surface of f‐MWCNTs, bridging with oxygen groups and ZrO_x (x < 2) and leading to Pd‐O‐Zr phase formation. Strong reducing procedures (NaBH₄ and FA) led to smaller Pd nanoparticle size, Pd oxide content, and PdO_x overlayer thickness in contrary to weak reduction procedures (HPMWR and PMWA). The highest content of Pd‐O‐Zr phase appeared for Pd predominant precipitation on ZrO₂ nanoparticles (HPMWR) in contrary to Pd and AuPd predominant precipitation on surface of f‐MWCNTs (NaBH₄ ~ FA > PMWA). Larger content of Pd‐O‐Zr phase in AuPd‐decorated ZrO₂/f‐MWCNTs in contrary to Pd‐decorated sample (PMWA) could be justified by different electronic properties of nanoparticles. The FA treatment of Pd and AuPd‐ZrO₂/f‐MWCNTs samples provided decreasing Pd oxide content, overlayer thickness, nanoparticle size, increasing nanoparticle surface coverage and density, amount of Pd‐O‐Zr, what results from reduction of oxygen groups bridging with Pd and ZrO_x nanoparticles, also through Pd‐O‐Zr phase.     

Mixed metal MgO–ZrO2 nanoparticle‐catalyzed O‐tert‐Boc protection of alcohols and phenols under solvent‐free conditions

An environmentally benign method for O‐tert‐Boc protection of alcohols and phenols catalyzed by MgO–ZrO₂ nanoparticles under solvent‐free conditions is described. A variety of phenols, alcohols (aliphatic and aromatic) were converted to corresponding O‐tert‐Boc products in good to excellent yield (50–95%). The present protocol is expedient, simple, and efficient under solvent‐free conditions. The MgO–ZrO₂ Nps are easily prepared from inexpensive precursors, and are reusable, recyclable and chemoselective. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Catalytic Properties of the Thermal Decomposition Products of Zr(SO4)2 · 4H2O

The catalytic activity of the thermal decomposition products of Zr(SO₄)₂ · 4H₂O in the reactions of 1-butene isomerization to 2-butenes, isobutanol dehydration, and n-butane skeletal isomerization was studied. Their behaviors in typical acid reactions and in skeletal isomerization were found to be considerably different. In the first two reactions, which occur with the participation of proton sites, the activity of zirconium sulfates was an extremal function of hydrate calcination temperature. Zirconium sulfate calcined at 400–550°C was the most active catalyst. The reasons for such behavior are discussed. In the skeletal isomerization of n-butane, crystalline zirconium sulfate was practically inactive, and it became active only after degradation. The results suggest that the activation of n-butane molecules did not occur at proton sites.