Reactivity of η-, γ-, and α-Al2O3 for ZnAl2O4 Formation

The rate of ZnAl₂O₄ formation was measured for η-, γ-; and α- Al₂O₃ in order to distinguish the reactivity of them. The reactivity decreased as follows: η- > γ- > α-Al₂O₃. The reaction rate fitted to Jander's equation and the activation energies calculated were 33, 47 and 113 Kcal/mol for η-, γ- and α-Al₂O₃ systems, respectively. These differences are explained by an assumption that η- and γ-Al₂O₃ resulted in a ZnAl₂O₄ with imperfect spinel structure, but α-Al₂O₃ gave the perfect spinel structure. This assumption is based on the theoretical consideration of the activation energy needed for the diffusion-controlled reaction and date of lattice constant of each ZnAl₂O₄ obtained from three aluminas. The fact that η-Al₂O₃ shows very high reactivity compared with that of γ-Al₂O₃ was found to be explained on the basis of Jander's equation, a comparison of specific surface area and the defect structures of the aluminas.     

Quantification of High-Temperature Transition Al2O3 and Their Phase Transformations**

High-temperature treatment of γ-Al₂O₃ can lead to a series of polymorphic transformations, including the formation of δ-Al₂O₃ and θ-Al₂O₃. Quantification of the microstructure in the range where δ- and θ-Al₂O₃ are formed represents a formidable challenge, as both phases accommodate a high degree of structural disorder. In this work, we explore the use of an XRD recursive-stacking formalism for the quantification of high-temperature transition aluminas. We formulate the recursive-stacking methodology for modelling of disorder in δ-Al₂O₃ and twinning in θ-Al₂O₃ and show that explicitly accounting for the disorder is necessary to reliably model the XRD patterns of high-temperature transition alumina. We also use the recursive stacking approach to study phase transformation during high-temperature (1050 °C) treatment. We show that the two different intergrowth modes of δ-Al₂O₃ have different transformation characteristics and that a significant portion of δ-Al₂O₃ is stabilized with θ-Al₂O₃ even after prolonged high-temperature exposures.     

Study of CuCl2 Supported on SiO2 and Al2O3

The nature and stability of surface species of CuCl₂ supported on α-Al₂O₃, γ-Al₂O₃, and SiO₂ were investigated by using X-ray diffraction techniques and reflectance spectroscopy. No specific chemical interaction of CuCl₂ is observed on an inert α-Al₂O₃ support, as opposed to hydrated carriers as SiO₂ and γ-Al₂O₃. On these supports the coordination sphere of Cu²⁺ consists of surface groups (OH^? or O^? at drying and activation, resp.), H₂O and Cl^?, with the H₂O ligands decreasing in concentration in the process of impregnation, drying and calcination. γ-Al₂O₃ samples, calcined at 400°C, show γ-Cu₂(OH)₃Cl as opposed to CuAl₂O₄ at higher temperatures. The absence of Cu₂(OH)₃Cl on SiO₂-supported samples is related to the acid-base characteristics of the carriers. The various supports can be arranged in the following order of stability of the complexes formed: γ-Al₂O₃ > SiO₂ ? -Al₂O₃.     

Effect of chromium(III) oxide on corundum formation from products of shock-wave synthesis of aluminum oxide

Formation of α-Al₂O₃ in thermal treatment of ultradispersed aluminum oxide powders produced by shock-wave synthesis with addition of Cr₂O₃-(NH₄)₂Cr₂O₇ as a precursor was studied. The acceleration of the conversion of δ-and θ-Al₂O₃ to α-Al₂O₃ upon introduction of additives in the stage of synthesis of aluminum oxide was examined.     

Anew technique for determining the adsorption energy of terminally adsorbed polymer

Using a new experimental technique, “Continuous Elution Method”, the desorption behavior of polystyrene(PS) and polystyrene (PS-X) functionalized by a terminal iminium ion (-X) from α-Al₂O₃ and γ-Al₂O₃ surface were investigated, and found that PS-X is forming a terminally adsorbed polymer layer on α-Al₂O₃, surface. Furthermore, it was found that the adsorption force of terminally adsorbed polymer is balanced with the desorption force which is contributed from the osmotic pressure in the adsorption layer. Based on this concept, the adsorption energy of the end-functionalized polystyrene terminally adsorbed on the α-Al₂O₃, surface was evaluated to be 4.2 ˜4.3 kT.     

Propane combustion over supported Pd catalysts

We prepared Pd catalysts supported on various metal oxides, viz. γ-Al₂O₃, α-Al₂O₃, SiO₂–Al₂O₃, SiO₂, CeO₂ and TiO₂ by an incipient wetness method and applied them to propane combustion. Several techniques: N₂ physisorption, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), CO chemisorption, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) were employed to characterize the catalysts. Pd/SiO₂–Al₂O₃ showed the least catalytic activity at high temperatures among Pd catalysts supported on irreducible metal oxides, viz. SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and SiO₂–Al₂O₃. Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ was much superior for this reaction to Pd/α-Al₂O₃. The Pd catalyst supported on reducible metal oxides (CeO₂ and TiO₂) with a less specific surface area showed the higher catalytic activity compared with that supported on reducible metal oxides with a higher specific surface area, even though the former had a less Pd dispersion than the latter. In the case of Pd/SiO₂–Al₂O₃, the initially reduced Pd catalyst was superior to the fully oxidized one. The oxidation of metallic Pd occurred in the presence of O₂ with increasing reaction temperature, which resulted in the change in the catalytic activity.     

The Role of Lewis Acid Sites in γ-Al2O3 Oligomerization

Olefin oligomerization by γ-Al₂O₃ has recently been reported, and it was suggested that Lewis acid sites are catalytic. The goal of this study is to determine the number of active sites per gram of alumina to confirm that Lewis acid sites are indeed catalytic. Addition of an inorganic Sr oxide base resulted in a linear decrease in the propylene oligomerization conversion at loadings up to 0.3 wt %; while, there is a >95 % loss in conversion above 1 wt % Sr. Additionally, there was a linear decrease in the intensity of the Lewis acid peaks of absorbed pyridine in the IR spectra with an increase in Sr loading, which correlates with the loss in propylene conversion, suggesting that Lewis acid sites are catalytic. Characterization of the Sr structure by XAS and STEM indicates that single Sr²⁺ ions are bound to the γ-Al₂O₃ surface and poison one catalytic site per Sr ion. The maximum loading needed to poison all catalytic sites, assuming uniform surface coverage, was ∼0.4 wt % Sr, giving an acid site density of ∼0.2 sites per nm² of γ-Al₂O₃, or approximately 3 % of the alumina surface.     

Calorimetric Characterization of Surface Reactivity of Supported Ga2O3 Catalysts

The surface properties of supported gallium oxide catalysts prepared by impregnation of various supports (γ-Al₂O₃, SiO₂, TiO₂, ZrO₂) were investigated by adsorption microcalorimetry, using ammonia and water as probe molecules. In the case of acidic supports (γ-Al₂O₃, ZrO₂, TiO₂), the acidic character of supported gallium catalysts always decreased in comparison with gallium-free supports; on very weakly acidic SiO₂, new acidic centers were created when depositing Ga₂O₃. The addition of gallium oxide decreased the hydrophilic properties of alumina, titania and zirconia, but increased the amount of water adsorbed on silica. The catalytic performances in the selective catalytic reduction of NO by C₂H₄ in excess oxygenwere in the order Ga/Al₂O₃>Ga/TiO₂>Ga/ZrO₂>>Ga/SiO₂. This order is more related to the quality of the dispersion of Ga₂O₃ on the support than to the global acidity of the solids. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Surface to bulk characterization of phosphate modified aluminas

γ-Al₂O₃, dried alumina gel, as well as their phosphated forms using (NH₄)₂HPO₄ were prepared by wet impregnation and calcined at 870 K. Resulted samples were subjected to investigate the consequent bulk [X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR)] and surface (texture, N₂-adsorption and surface acid properties, pyridine adsorption). Results indicated no detectable bulk phase changes due to phosphation. However, the phosphated gel sample reveals the highest S_BET. Surface stabilization of phosphate species by γ-Al₂O₃ or gel is indicated, leading to modifications on surface hydroxyl and hence surface acidity. The phosphated gel sample exhibits the strongest acidity (both Bronsted and Lewis).     

Biomolecule-Assisted Synthesis of Hierarchical Multilayered Boehmite and Alumina Nanosheets for Enhanced Molybdenum Adsorption

The effective utilization of various biomolecules for creating a series of mesoporous boehmite (γ-AlOOH) and gamma-alumina (γ-Al₂O₃) nanosheets with unique hierarchical multilayered structures is demonstrated. The nature and concentration of the biomolecules strongly influence the degree of the crystallinity, the morphology, and the textural properties of the resulting γ-AlOOH and γ-Al₂O₃ nanosheets, allowing for easy tuning. The hierarchical γ-AlOOH and γ-Al₂O₃ multilayered nanosheets synthesized by using biomolecules exhibit enhanced crystallinity, improved particle separation, and well-defined multilayered structures compared to those obtained without biomolecules. More impressively, these γ-AlOOH and γ-Al₂O₃ nanosheets possess high surface areas up to 425 and 371 m² g⁻¹, respectively, due to their mesoporous nature and hierarchical multilayered structure. When employed for molybdenum adsorption toward medical radioisotope production, the hierarchical γ-Al₂O₃ multilayered nanosheets exhibit Mo adsorption capacities of 33.1–40.8 mg g⁻¹. The Mo adsorption performance of these materials is influenced by the synergistic combination of the crystallinity, the surface area, and the pore volume. It is expected that the proposed biomolecule-assisted strategy may be expanded for the creation of other 3D mesoporous oxides in the future.     

Formation of Pd–Ag nanoparticles in supported catalysts based on the heterobimetallic complex PdAg<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OAc)<Subscript>4</Subscript>(HOAc)<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The formation of Pd–Ag nanoparticles deposited from the heterobimetallic acetate complex PdAg₂(OAc)₄(HOAc)₄ on α-Al₂O₃, γ-Al₂O₃, and MgAl₂O₄ has been investigated by high-resolution trans-mission electron microscopy, temperature-programmed reduction, and IR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO. The reduction of PdAg₂(OAc)₄(HOAc)₄ supported on γ-Al₂O₃ and MgAl₂O₄ takes place in two steps (at 15–245 and 290–550°C) and yields Pd–Ag particles whose average size is 6–7 nm. The reduction of the Pd–Ag catalyst supported on α-Al₂O₃ occurs in a much narrower temperature range (15–200°C) and yields larger nanoparticles (~10–20 nm). The formation of Pd–Ag alloy nanoparticles in all of the samples is demonstrated by IR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO, which indicates a marked weakening of the absorption band of the bridged form of adsorbed carbon monoxide and a >30-cm^–1 bathochromic shift of the linear adsorbed CO band. IR spectroscopic data for PdAg₂/α-Al₂O₃ suggest that Pd in this sample occurs as isolated atoms on the surface of bimetallic nanoparticles, as is indicated by the almost complete absence of bridged adsorbed CO bands and by a significant weakening of the Pd–CO bond relative to the same bond in the bimetallic samples based on γ-Al₂O₃ and MgAl₂O₄ and in the monometallic reference sample Pd/γ-Al₂O₃.     

MnO x -Al2O3 catalysts for deep oxidation prepared with the use of mechanochemical activation: The effect of synthesis conditions on the phase composition and catalytic properties

The catalytic activity of alumina-manganese catalysts in the oxidation of CO was studied. The MnO _x -Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared by an extrusion method with the introduction of mechanically activated components (manganese oxide and its mixtures with aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, and a mixture of a manganese salt with aluminum hydroxide) into a paste of aluminum hydroxide followed by thermal treatment in air or argon at 1000°C. In the majority of cases, the catalysts contained a mixture of the phases of β-Mn₃O₄ (Mn₂O₃), α-Al₂O₃, and δ-Al₂O₃. The presence of low-temperature δ-Al₂O₃ suggested the incomplete interaction of manganese and aluminum oxides. It was found that the catalytic activity of MnO _x -Al₂O₃ depends on the degree of interaction of the initial reactants, and its value is correlated with the amount of β-Mn₃O₄ in the active constituent. The intermediate thermal treatment of components at 700°C negatively affects the catalytic activity as a result of the formation of Mn₂O₃ and the coarsening of particles, which levels the results of mechanochemical activation. The greatest degree of interaction between Al- and Mn-containing components was reached in the selection of mechanochemical activation conditions by decreasing the size of grinding bodies, optimizing the time of mechanochemical activation, and using the mechanochemical activation of precursor mixtures. As a result of mechanochemical activation, the initial reactants were dispersed, the amounts of MnO₂ and Mn₂O₃ changed, and defects were formed; this strengthened the interaction of components and increased catalytic activity.     

Zur Kenntnis der μ-Peroxo-bis(pentacyanokobaltate(III)). Neuartige Darstellung,Beschreibung eines μ-Hydroperoxo-komplexes K5[Co2OOH(CN)10] · 2 H2O und eines μ-Peroxo-Carbonato-Komplexes K6[Co2CO4(CN)10] · 2 H2O

Investigations on Metal Catalysts. XXII. Chemisorption of Hydrogen on Pt? Ru and η-Al₂O₃ Supported Pt? Ru Catalysts Measurements of the H₂ chemisorption by volumetric method were carried out on several series of Pt? Ru and η-Al₂O₃ supported Pt? Ru catalysts. Addition of Ru to Pt and vice versa effects a remarkable influence on the sorption behaviour of the starting samples. For mixtures of carrier-free catalysts and η-Al₂O₃ as well as Pt? Ru/η-Al₂O₃ catalysts a hydrogen-spillover effect was found.     

Untersuchungen an Metallkatalysatoren. XI. Untersuchungen an eisen-, kobalt- und nickelmodifizierten Pt-η-Al2O3-Katalysatoren

Investigations on Metal Catalysts. XI. Investigations on Pt? η-Al₂O₃ Catalysts Modifieded by Iron, Cobalt, and Nickel Pt? Me? η-Al₂O₃ catalysts (M: Fe, Co, Ni) were characterized by magnetic investigations, reflectance spectra and determination of dispersity (chemisorption of CO, oxygen-hydrogen titration), respectively. The phase structure of platinum-rich catalysts is composed of a high degree by Pt₃Fe super-structure. All the Pt? Fe? η-Al₂O₃ catalysts contained Fe^III ions in octahedral symmetry. The dispersity of the metallic components is determined essentially by their phase structure.     

The state of dispersed niobia species on γ-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and their catalytic performance for condensation of isobutylene and isobutyraldehyde

Catalysts of Nb₂O₅/γ-Al₂O₃ were prepared by aqueous solution impregnation. The state of niobia species on surface of γ-Al₂O₃ is characterized by using the technology of X-ray power diffraction (XRD) and analyzed using the “incorporation model”. The acidity and the nature of acid sites of the catalysts were evaluated by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of adsorbed pyridine. The catalytic activity of Nb₂O₅/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts was evaluated by a condensation reaction from isobutene and isobutyraldehyde to 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene. The results of XRD indicate that the dispersion capacity of niobia on γ-Al₂O₃ is about 0.76 mmol Nb per 100m² γ-Al₂O₃, which is almost identical to the theoretical value (0.75 mmol Nb per 100m² γ-Al₂O₃) calculated by the “incorporation model”. The results of Py-IR and catalytic activity evaluation indicate that the acidity feature is related to the state of dispersed niobia species as well as the loading of niobia onto the surface of γ-Al₂O₃ support.     

Untersuchungen an Metallkatalysatoren. XXVII. Zum Einfluß verschiedener Träger auf die Dispersität von Nickel

Investigations on Metal Catalysts. XXVII. On the Influence of Several Carriers on the Dispersion of Nickel Nickel supported catalysts (carrier: η-, ?-, α-Al₂O₃, TiO₂) were characterized by chemically determined degree of reduction, CO chemisorption, magnetic susceptibility measurements and FMR. The influence of interaction between carrier and active component in the unreduced state on the size and number of Ni crystallites is discussed.     

High-temperature X-ray study of the formation and delamination of manganese-alumina spinel Mn<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>Al<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The behavior of the manganese-alumina system with Mn:Al = 1:1 on heating in air and vacuum was studied. The starting samples were mixtures of β-Mn₃O₄, α-Mn₂O₃, and γ-Al₂O₃. On heating to 950°C in air, the samples were partially oxidized into α-Mn₂O₃, and corundum α-Al₂O₃ formed along with mixed manganese-alumina cubic spinel, whose composition was close to Mn₂AlO₄. In vacuum at 1200°C, the starting sample with a ratio of Mn:Al = 1:1 transformed into the manganese-alumina spinel Mn_1.5Al_1.5O₄, which retained its cubic structure after slow cooling in vacuum. When cooled in air, this solid solution delaminated, and a nanocrystalline Mn_2.8Al_0.2O₄ phase formed, whose structure was β-Mn₃O₄ type tetragonal spinel.     

Catalytic epoxidation of alkenes over supported manganese oxide with hydrogen peroxide: effect of supports and manganese loading

Manganese oxides supported on γ-Al₂O₃, amorphous SiO₂, MCM-41, and TiO₂ prepared by an impregnation method were used as heterogeneous catalysts for epoxidation of alkenes with 30 % H₂O₂ in the presence of NaHCO₃ aqueous solution. The effect of support and manganese loading on their activity was studied. The 1.3-MnO _x /γ-Al₂O₃ exhibited superior epoxidazing activity of styrene, compared with other supported MnO _x . Hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction, UV–vis and ESR analyses suggested that Mn²⁺ (catalytic activity species) dominated in 1.3 % MnO _x /γ-Al₂O₃ due to a strong interaction between MnO _x and γ-Al₂O₃. Recycling studies showed the catalyst was a heterogeneous one and retained its activity after recycling four times.     

Thermal decomposition of managanese oxyhydroxide

Temperature-programmed thermal decomposition of γ- and α-manganese oxyhydroxide has been studied between 20 and 670°C under vacuum and under a low pressure (10 Torr) of oxygen. Solid products at various temperatures have been analyzed by X-ray diffractometry. Under vacuum γ-MnOOH decomposed below 400°C to a mixture of Mn₅O₈, α-Mn₃O₄, and water according to the reaction scheme: 8MnOOH → Mn₅O₈ + Mn₃O₄ + 4H₂O. Above this temperature Mn₅O₈ was converted to α-Mn₃O₄ as a result of oxygen removal. The vacuum dehydration at 250°C of oxyhydroxide rich in α-MnOOH led to the formation of a new modification of Mn₂O₃ isostructural with corundum (α-Al₂O₃). In oxygen both oxyhydroxides decomposed to β-MnO₂. γ-MnOOH transformed directly to β-MnO₂ while α-MnOOH appeared to transform via corundum-phase Mn₂O₃ as an intermediate.