Extending the understanding of metal loading sites on a novel titania nanocatalyst
Date
2016
Authors
Malibo, Petrus Molaoa
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Abstract
The hydrothermal method of synthesis was successfully utilized to produce the rutile
dandelion support onto which different noble metals were deposited using the deposition
precipitation method to prepare the Au-TiO2, Pt-TiO2, Pd-TiO2 and Rh-TiO2 catalysts. The
catalysts were prepared at different metals loadings. The deposition precipitation method was
also employed to deposit the same metals (Au, Pt, Pd and Rh) onto the rutile (110) and (111)
crystal surfaces to model the catalysts. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron
microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction were used as the main characterization techniques
to study the preferred deposition sites of the metals as well as the composition of the
catalysts. TEM analysis showed the metals to deposit onto the sides and tips of the rutile
nanorods making up the dandelion support structure. SEM analysis showed the metals to
deposit onto the (110) and (111) crystal surfaces with the exception of Pd which deposited
onto the (111) and (001) surfaces only. TEM analysis showed that the metals agglomerated
following Temperature-Programmed Reduction (TPR) under H2 gas. TPR analysis showed
strong-metal-support interaction for the Pt, Pd and Rh catalysts.