Adsorption properties of alumina modified with nickel nanoparticles

Adsorption properties of parent γ-alumina, and γ-alumina, modified with nickel nanoparticles (from 0.6 to 18 wt %), are investigated by dynamic sorption. N-hexane, benzene, chloroform, diethyl ether, chlorobenzene, and o-dichlorobenzene are used as test adsorbates. Adsorption isotherms are measured, and isosteric adsorption heats are calculated. Electron-donating and electron-accepting characteristics of surfaces of parent γ-alumina and γ-alumina, modified with Ni nanoparticles, are estimated. It is established that the surface of parent γ-alumina has mainly electron-accepting properties, while the surface of γ-alumina modified with Ni nanoparticles has electron-donating properties. It is shown that benzene and chlorobenzene are sorbed via physical adsorption on the parent and modified γ-alumina, and o-dichlorobenzene is sorbed via chemosorption.