Ni nanoparticles dispersed on γ-Al2O3 by induced-gelation sol-gel method

International Journal of Applied Chemistry

© 2016 by SSRG - IJAC Journal

Volume 3 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2016

Authors : M. Mónica Guraya, Soledad Perez Catán, Miguel D. Sánchez, Sergio Moreno

10.14445/23939133/IJAC-V3I4P102

How to Cite?

M. Mónica Guraya, Soledad Perez Catán, Miguel D. Sánchez, Sergio Moreno, "Ni nanoparticles dispersed on γ-Al2O3 by induced-gelation sol-gel method," SSRG International Journal of Applied Chemistry, vol. 3,  no. 2, pp. 1-8, 2016. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939133/IJAC-V3I4P102

Abstract:

A series of Ni/γ-Al2O3 samples were prepared by the sol-gel method using a solution of nickel nitrate as gelation agent. The Ni content of the samples was in the range 7-39 wt%. High specific BET areas, from 150 to 200 m2/g, were determined in samples after 4 h calcination at 600 ºC. As the metal was incorporated into the alumina during formation of the porous structure, high metal-support interaction and nickel dispersion were expected. To investigate the extent of these effects, reducing treatments were carried out and monitored by Thermogravimetry (TG), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Diffractrometry (XRD). All XRD spectra from calcined samples showed patterns corresponding to NiO and spinel-like NiAl2O4 structures. Reducing treatments at 400ºC were performed in a TG set up, in 10% H2/Ar flow, until no mass change was detected. XRD spectra recorded afterwards showed Niº diffraction peaks corresponding to 20nm metal particles but also NiO and NiAl2O4 patterns consistent with smaller particles of 4-7 nm in size. Subsequent treatments at 700ºC also in H2/Ar flow allowed accomplishing the metal reduction. XRD spectra indicated that reduction was complete in all samples after 30 min plateau. This time proved short enough to avoid introducing much distortion in the alumina matrix as confirmed by BET area. All samples showed particles of 20-30 nm in size under TEM, indicating that this method allows the obtention of high dispersed Ni particles even for very high Ni contents.

Keywords:

Ni/gamma-alumina, NiAl2O4 spinel, high dispersion Ni.

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