Synthesis of sub-micro-sized solid alpha alumina fibers with smooth surfaces by sol–gel method

Alumina sol containing nano-meter sized Al₂O₃ particles were synthesized using aluminum sec-butoxide and nitric acid as precursor and peptizing agent, respectively. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was added to prevent particle growth and adjust sol viscosity. PVP/alumina hybrid fibers were drawn from the sol with a viscosity value in the range of 2,500–3,000 mPa.s. By guided through a temperature gradient tube furnace at a rate of 4 m/min, the wet PVP/alumina hybrid fibers were sufficiently dried. Sub-micro-sized pure alpha alumina fibers were obtained by sintering the dry hybrid fibers at 1,000 °C for 3 h. The organic matters were decomposed within a wide temperature range from 150 to 800 °C allowing the nano Al₂O₃ particles to gradually get together and form solid alumina fibers with smooth surfaces.     

溶胶-凝胶法制备薄膜型TiO2光催化剂

用TiCl4作原料,通过溶胶-凝胶法在单晶硅基片上制备了TiO2纳米薄膜,并用XRD,AES,XPS以及紫外反射光谱等手段,对TiO2薄膜的结构进行了研究.结果发现,TiO2薄膜以锐钛矿型晶相存在.TiO2薄膜层与硅衬底间无明显的界面扩散反应.掺杂的Pd在还原前的薄膜中以氧化态存在,还原后则以高分散的金属态存在.掺杂的Pt在还原前后均以金属态存在,但还原后产生颗粒聚集.掺杂Pd的TiO2薄膜经还原后,其紫外吸收强度明显提高,主吸收峰发生红移.     

有机溶胶法制备直接甲酸燃料电池用Pd/C阳极催化剂

采用改进的有机溶胶法制备了用于直接甲酸燃料电池(DFAFC)中甲酸氧化的炭载Pd(Pd/C)催化剂。制备Pd/C催化剂时,以乙醇作溶剂,SnCl2作还原剂。控制溶剂的蒸发温度就能控制Pd/C催化剂中Pd粒子的平均粒径和相对结晶度。溶剂蒸发温度与Pd/C催化剂中Pd粒子的平均粒径和相对结晶度不成正比关系。在选择合适的溶剂蒸发温度时,能制得Pd粒子的平均粒径至6.5 nm和相对结晶度至2.85的Pd/C催化剂。比较了具有不同Pd粒子的平均粒径和相对结晶度的Pd/C催化剂对甲酸氧化的电催化性能。结果发现,Pd粒子的平均粒径小和相对结晶度低的Pd/C催化剂对甲酸氧化有好的电催化性能。     

The Metal–Support Interaction Concerning the Particle Size Effect of Pd/Al2O3 on Methane Combustion

The particle size effect of Pd nanoparticles supported on alumina with various crystalline phases on methane combustion was investigated. Pd/θ, α‐Al₂O₃ with weak metal‐support interaction showed a volcano‐shaped dependence of the catalytic activity on the size of Pd particles, and the catalytic activity of the strongly interacted Pd/γ‐Al₂O₃ increased with the particle size. Based on a structural analysis of Pd nanoparticles using CO adsorption IR spectroscopy and spherical aberration‐corrected scanning/transmission electron microscopy, the dependence of catalytic activity on Pd particle size and the alumina crystalline phase was due to the fraction of step sites on Pd particle surface. The difference in fraction of the step site is derived from the particle shape, which varies not only with Pd particle size but also with the strength of metal–support interaction. Therefore, this interaction perturbs the particle size effect of Pd/Al₂O₃ for methane combustion.     

Effect Of Iridium Addition On The Reducibility Of MoO3/Alumina Catalyst

The reducibility of oxidic MoO₃/alumina catalyst modified by different amounts of Ir was studied by temperature-programmed reduction. Ir facilitated the reduction of both polymeric Mo_oct and isolated Mo_tet species. However, the interaction of Mo_tet with Ir particles smaller than 0.8 nm inhibited reduction, probably because of formation of a non-reducible Ir-O-Mo phase.     

Improvement of the Pd/Al2O3 Catalyst by the Control of the Sol-Gel Preparative Parameters

In this work, the metal dispersion of the Pd/Al₂O₃ catalyst prepared by sol-gel method is improved by an adequate optimisation of the preparative variables. First, the gelation temperature and the ageing time are selected, in order to avoid the reduction of the metal precursor (palladium acetylacetonate, Pd(acac)₂) by the solvent (sec-butanol, sB). The metal sintering effect on the catalysts treated in oxygen at 500°C is then minimized when the alumina pore size is controlled by the variation of the alumium alkoxide (AsB) concentration and the acetic acid amount ([AcA]/[AsB]). The appearance of new palladium particles on the alumina surface and the matching between the particle diameters and the pore sizes were also effective for the metallic surface area improvement on the samples treated in oxygen at 800°C. Compared to the reference catalysts, the higher metal dispersion obtained on the sol-gel ones was the determinant factor for their higher catalytic activity in methane combustion.     

Preparation of highly active and reusable heterogeneous Al2O3–Pd catalysts by the sol–gel method using bayberry tannin as stabilizer

A novel heterogeneous Al₂O₃–Pd catalyst has been prepared by the sol–gel method; bayberry tannin (BT) was used as stabilizer to prevent the migration and aggregation of Pd species during calcination. According to N₂ adsorption/desorption determination, Al₂O₃–Pd has a mesoporous structure and its specific area is as high as 336.5 m²/g. Transmission electron microscopy observation indicated that the size of the Pd particles was greatly reduced by the presence of BT. On the basis of X-ray photoelectron spectra analysis, it was found that the most of Pd nanoparticles were dispersed in the pores, implying that BT can prevent migration of Pd particles from the pores to the outer surface of Al₂O₃ during calcination. For comparison, Al₂O₃–Pd^* was prepared by the sol–gel method but without use of BT. In the hydrogenation of acrylic acid, Al₂O₃–Pd had high catalytic activity and excellent reusability compared with commercial and traditionally prepared heterogeneous Pd catalysts. The turnover number of Al₂O₃–Pd is as high as 11,328.0 mol/mol after recycling seven times, which is much higher than that of a commercial Pd–C catalyst (8048.0 mol/mol).     

Grafting and anchoring of molecular complexes as metal precursors for alumina-supported Pd catalysts

Abstract

The surface coordination chemistry of Pd complexes on alumina has been studied in the framework of synthesizing Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ catalytic materials. Two methodologies were explored: the direct grafting of Pd complexes on hydroxyl functions present at the alumina surface and the anchoring of the precursors via amine-bearing silanes previously grafted on the support. Suitable conditions to graft and anchor Pd complexes on alumina surface were found and experimental proofs of grafting and anchoring processes are provided. The results show that covalent grafting indeed took place for samples prepared in acetonitrile with [Pd(CF₃CO₂)₂(bipy)] and [PdCl₂(PhCN)₂] complexes or with [Pd(OAc)₂] and [Pd(CF₃CO₂)₂] in acetone. The anchoring was successful for catalysts prepared in acetone with 1 wt.% of [Pd(CF₃CO₂)₂] loading. Grafting and anchoring were found to stabilize palladium in its Pd(II) oxidation state. This has an adverse effect on the activation step that should lead to reduction of the complex to give the metallic catalytic supported active phase.     

Effects of Ti Addition on Alumina/Titania Composite Aerogels Synthesized by Sol–Gel Process and Supercritical Ethanol Drying

Alumina/titania composite aerogels with different titania contents were synthesized by the sol–gel process and supercritical ethanol drying. The structures and morphologies of synthesized aerogels were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and N₂ adsorption–desorption tests. Supercritical ethanol drying induced the crystallization of titania, which prompted the transformation of the structure from pseudoboehmite to γ‐Al₂O₃ . Reversely, alumina retarded the anatase‐to‐rutile transformation of titania. The content of titania significantly affected the structure and morphology of alumina/titania composite aerogels. A high content of titania (≥40%) resulted in the phase separation of titania particles, which grew to form the anatase phase octahedral particles with well‐developed facets. When the titania content was low, titania particles could be homogeneously dispersed in alumina particles to form spherical clusters with the poor crystallinity. Titania particles were in the anatase phase, and no rutile phase was formed until the temperature rose to 1000°C. In addition, titania addition resulted in a decrease in the specific surface area (SSA) of alumina aerogels because the SSA of titania was lower than that of alumina aerogels.     

Study of the formation of bimetallic aqueous Tl/Cu sols by gamma and electron irradiation

The spectral characteristics of the bimetallic sols produced by gamma and electron irradiation of mixed solutions of Tl⁺–Cu²⁺ ions in different ratios have been studied in aqueous medium. The intermediate transient species have also been characterized by the technique of pulse radiolysis. The rate constant for the reaction of Cu²⁺ion with the Tl⁺ ion reduction species was founded by 4×10⁹ dm³ mol⁻¹s⁻¹. Developmental absorption spectra in gamma radiolytic reduction of the mixed ions indicated reduction of Tl⁺ ion on the surface of small copper particles, resulting in bimetallic-sol with core of copper. The presence of a small concentration of Cu²⁺ ion was found to restrict the agglomeration process of thallium particles at near neutral pH conditions. The reducing capability of the bimetallic sols was found to be proportional to the thallium content in the sol. The observed UV–Vis spectra of the mixed Tl/Cu sols produced on electron irradiation showed much lower absorption in the higher wavelength region and were more close to that of the pure sol of the ion, present in higher concentration in the feed solution. Thus, the high dose rate-assisted stabilization of smaller thallium particles. Size of all these bimetallic sol particles was much less than 50 nm.     

Comparison of CO2 Reduction Performance with NH3 and H2O between Cu/TiO2 and Pd/TiO2

The aim of this study is to clarify the effect of doped metal type on CO₂ reduction characteristics of TiO₂ with NH₃ and H₂O. Cu and Pd have been selected as dopants for TiO₂. In addition, the impact of molar ratio of CO₂ to reductants NH₃ and H₂O has been investigated. A TiO₂ photocatalyst was prepared by a sol-gel and dip-coating process, and then doped with Cu or Pd fine particles by using the pulse arc plasma gun method. The prepared Cu/TiO₂ film and Pd/TiO₂ film were characterized by SEM, EPMA, TEM, STEM, EDX, EDS and EELS. This study also has investigated the performance of CO₂ reduction under the illumination condition of Xe lamp with or without ultraviolet (UV) light. As a result, it is revealed that the CO₂ reduction performance with Cu/TiO₂ under the illumination condition of Xe lamp with UV light is the highest when the molar ratio of CO₂/NH₃/H₂O = 1:1:1 while that without UV light is the highest when the molar ratio of CO₂/NH₃/H₂O = 1:0.5:0.5. It is revealed that the CO₂ reduction performance of Pd/TiO₂ is the highest for the molar ratio of CO₂/NH₃/H₂O = 1:1:1 no matter the used Xe lamp was with or without UV light. The molar quantity of CO per unit weight of photocatalyst for Cu/TiO₂ produced under the illumination condition of Xe lamp with UV light was 10.2 μmol/g, while that for Pd/TiO₂ was 5.5 μmol/g. Meanwhile, the molar quantity of CO per unit weight of photocatalyst for Cu/TiO₂ produced under the illumination condition of Xe lamp without UV light was 2.5 μmol/g, while that for Pd/TiO₂ was 3.5 μmol/g. This study has concluded that Cu/TiO₂ is superior to Pd/TiO₂ from the viewpoint of the molar quantity of CO per unit weight of photocatalyst as well as the quantum efficiency.     

Photocatalytic Inactivation Efficiency of Anatase Nano-TiO2 Sol on the H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus

This study was conducted to investigate efficiency of TiO₂nanomaterial as a novel environment-friendly disinfectant to control avian influenza (AI) by its photochemical sterilization ability. Anatase nano-TiO₂sol, a neutral, viscous aqueous colloid of 1.6% TiO₂, was synthesized from peroxotitanic acid solution according to the Ichinose method. Transmission electron microscope images showed that the TiO₂particles were spindle-shaped with an average size of 50 nm. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the crystal phase of TiO₂particles was anatase type with photocatalytic effect. A photocatalytic film of nano-TiO₂sol was tested as a means of inactivating H₉N₂avian influenza virus (AIV). Inactivation capabilities were examined with 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) radiation under black light by adjusting the UV intensity, the UV irradiation time and the quantity of AIV. The titer change of AIV was determined by hemagglutination tests. Cytopathic effect of Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was monitored by inverted fluorescence microscope. The results showed that anatase nano-TiO₂sol significantly inactivated AIV under UV irradiation of 365 nm. The inactivation of AIV viruses reached up to 100%. Therefore, anatase nano-TiO₂sol is a potentially environment-friendly antivirus agent to prevent AI.     

The Synthesis of Stable, High Solid Content Alumina Sol

The stable alumina sol with an ASB/water molar ratio of 1:30 could not be obtained via the general peptization process because gelation occurred immediately. With the addition of EAcAc the stability of this sol was greatly improved. The studies using TEM, UV-V is and IR spectra revealed that a surface modification layer was formed around the Al₂O₃ colloidal particle through the chelating reaction of EAcAc with the surface HO-Al groups. The Al₂O₃ colloidal particles were therefore sufficiently capped and the growth of the colloidal particles was effectively prevented.     

Interaction of NO2 with Model NSR Catalysts: Metal–Oxide Interaction Controls Initial NOx Storage Mechanism

Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), molecular‐beam (MB) methods and time‐resolved infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (TR‐IRAS), we investigate the mechanism of initial NO_x uptake on a model nitrogen storage and reduction (NSR) catalyst. The model system is prepared by co‐deposition of Pd metal particles and Ba‐containing oxide particles onto an ordered alumina film on NiAl(110). We show that the metal–oxide interaction between the active noble metal particles and the NO_x storage compound in NSR model catalysts plays an important role in the reaction mechanism. We suggest that strong interaction facilitates reverse spillover of activated oxygen species from the NO_x storage compound to the metal. This process leads to partial oxidation of the metal nanoparticles and simultaneous stabilization of the surface nitrite intermediate.     

XAFS characterization of supported PdCl2?CuCl2 catalysts for CO oxidation

A heterogenized Wacker catalyst system in which pores of a high surface area alumina were filled with an aqueous solution of PdCl₂–CuCl₂ was active for the oxidation of CO near room temperature. The structure of thecatalyst was studied by XRD and XAFS. The active phase of Pd was a molecular Pd species whose structure was similar to PdCl₂, probably modified by a carbonyl ligand. The active phase of copper was found to be solid Cu₂Cl(OH)₃ particles. The presence of Cu was essential to keep the Pd in the Pd(II) state during the reaction.     

Influence of powder preparation process on piezoelectric properties of PZT sol-gel composite thick films

In this work, piezoelectric PbZr_0.52Ti_0.48O₃ (PZT) thick films were deposited onto silicon and alumina substrates using sol-gel composite slurry. Thick films prepared with rough and attrited powders are compared. A time stable polymeric PZT sol was first synthesised as the binder. It was then used as a precursor for PZT powder fabrication. Powder attrition ball milling was optimised to reduce the particles size to 200 nm. Composite slurries were obtained by mixing PZT sol with attrited or rough powders and thick films were deposited by dip-coating. The film thickness, roughness and microstructure were studied as a function of powder content, particle size, sol concentration and slurry ageing. Electromechanical measurements were performed. By strictly controlling each step of the thick film fabrication, high coupling factor (thickness mode, k_t) can be obtained using both types of powder. Nevertheless, with attrited powder, better and more reproducible effective coupling coefficients in thickness mode (k_t up to 46%) were reported on silicon and alumina substrates.     

The properties of Pd/Au bimetallic colloidal catalysts stabilized by chitosan and prepared by simultaneous and stepwise chemical reduction of the precursor ions

Bimetallic Pd/Au nanoparticle catalysts were prepared with chitosan as a stabilizer. The preparation procedure included mixing or stepwise adding palladium and gold ions in various molar ratios followed by simultaneous or stepwise reduction using either methanol or sodium borohydride (nb) as reducing agents. TEM and UV-Vis characterization showed that the particle size of bimetallic Chi-Pd/Au prepared by simultaneous reduction was smaller than that of the samples prepared by stepwise reduction methods. The particle size varied in the 1 to 24 nm range at all Pd/Au molar ratios of bimetallic compositions. Sodium borohydride was the most effective reducing agent for the preparation of bimetallic Chi-Pd_coreA_ushell by the stepwise reduction. The catalytic activities of Chi-Pd/Au prepared by either simultaneous or stepwise reductions were generally higher than those of the respective monometallic systems whereas the most active catalysts were prepared by the simultaneous reduction. Shielding the palladium metal colloid with gold sol led to the decrease in catalytic activity. The turnover frequencies (TOFs) for Chi-Pd/Au-me in catalytic hydrogenation of 1-octene were as high as 20.855 and 89.336 for monometallic and bimetallic catalysts respectively. TOFs for Chi-Pd/Au-nb were in the region between 2.978 and 87.429. The core-shell and alloy formation of the bimetallic Chi-Pd/Au were inferred from the particle size measurements and evaluation of catalytic activity.     

Investigation of the state of palladium in the Pd/SO4/ZrO2 system by diffuse-reflectance IR spectroscopy

The Pd/ZrO₂ and Pd/SO₄/ZrO₂ systems were investigated by diffuse-reflectance IR spectroscopy using CO as the probe molecule. For the Pd/ZrO₂ system, the behavior of the metal is characteristic of the weak metal-support interaction. Intense bands attibuted to the bridging CO species indicate the formation of large metal particles in the reduced systems. Modification of the ZrO₂ support with SO₄ ^2? anions leads to an increase in the metal—support interaction and makes the metal more resistant to reduction. On the surface promoted by SO₄ ^2? anions, metal particles with a positive charge (Pd⁺ and Pd^δ+) were observed. The smaller the size of the metal clusters and the higher degree of oxidation of sulfur, the stronger the influence of acidic protons and surface sulfur compounds on the metal.     

Hybrid silica-organic material with immobilized amino groups: surface probing and use for electrochemical determination of nitrite ions

A sol–gel based hybrid process was developed by manipulating different techniques in sol–gel process to synthesize γ-alumina and (CuO, CuO + ZnO) doped γ-alumina spherical particles. Catalysts having spherical geometry have an important advantage over powders or pellets which are impervious to fluids, when packed in a reactor. Boehmite sol was used as alumina precursor for synthesizing porous γ-alumina and doped materials. γ-alumina particles having 5 wt% CuO, 4 wt% CuO + 1 wt% ZnO, 3 wt% CuO + 2 wt% ZnO and 2 wt% CuO + 3 wt% ZnO were prepared by adding required amounts of Cu(NO₃)₂ and Zn(NO₃)₂ solutions prior to gelation of the sol. Methanol dehydration studies were carried out by employing these synthesized catalysts. Hundred percent conversion of methanol to dimethyl ether was observed with (4 wt% CuO + 1 wt% ZnO)-γ-alumina and (5 wt% CuO)-γ-alumina microspheres at 325 and 350 °C, respectively.     

Formation and electrocatalytic properties of Pd deposits on Mo obtained by galvanic displacement

A Pd-Mo electrocatalytic system was obtained by forming palladium particles on the Mo surface that contacted a PdCl₂ solution under open-circuit conditions. The state of palladium on the electrode surface depended on the contact displacement time. Palladium particles 5–10 nm in size formed on the surface of the Pd(Mo) electrode after palladium deposition for 1 min. The specific rates of formic acid oxidation on the Pd(Mo) electrode were smaller than those on the Pd/Pt electrode. On the Pd(Mo) electrode, anode currents of methanol oxidation were recorded at a potential of 0.4 V. The difference in the effects of the Mo substrate on the activity of Pd particles in the electrooxidations of HCOOH and CH₃OH was explained by the difference in the mechanisms of these reactions.