Surface characterization of silica-supported cobalt oxide catalysts

Silica supported cobalt oxides were prepared by the impregnation method, using an aqueous solution of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate (Co(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O), then calcined at different temperatures (510, 620 and 870 K). Characterization of the samples was carried out by X-ray diffraction, N₂-adsorption at −196°C, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and KBr-IR spectroscopy of the calcination products. The surface acidity was studied by IR spectroscopy of adsorbed pyridine at different temperatures (300, 370, 470 and 570 K). Results indicated that Co₃O₄ is the stable phase on silica, however, dispersion of minor amount of cobalt oxide could not be ruled out. Results also indicated that the crystallinity of the formed Co₃O₄ increased by increasing the loading level and/or the calcination temperature. Furthermore, the surface area of the support was decreased by increasing the loading level and the calcination temperatures. It has been also found that the surface of the supported catalysts exposed strong different Lewis acid sites.