Catalytic Activity of Metal Ions in Redox Processes in Polymer–Salt Systems during Synthesis of Mixed Oxides

Abstract

Data are presented on the catalytic activity of metal ions in the oxidative destruction of poly(vinyl alcohol) in polymer–salt (nitrate) systems. The results indicate that the catalytic activity is due to the coexistence of oxidized and reduced forms of metals and that the oxidation potential for the conversion from one oxidation state to another must be high enough for catalysis. To assess catalytic activity, one can also compare the Gibbs energies of redox reactions involving oxides. Metal ions exhibit catalytic activity in solutions (of iron nitrate) and films (of molybdenum, tungsten, and silver salts) and also during the pyrolysis of polymer–salt systems in the synthesis of mixed oxides or in the presence of silver nitrate.