Characterization and Catalytic Behaviour of Co3(PO4)2–AlPO4 Catalysts

Abstract

Co3(PO4)2, AlPO4 and the binary system Co3(PO4)2-AlPO4 with different compositions were prepared by the coprecipitation method. The structural properties of these samples were determined using XRD, DTA and FT-IR techniques. The textural properties were determined from the adsorption of nitrogen at 77 K. The surface acidity was measured by a calorimetric titration method. The samples were tested as catalysts in the dehydration of ethanol and isopropanol using a pulse microcatalytic technique. The data obtained from XRD and FT-IR indicate the amorphous structures of the prepared catalysts. An increase in Co3(PO4)2 content led to a decrease in the surface area and in the total pore volume and an increase in the mean pore radius. The surface acidity of the catalyst depends on the chemical composition; the surface acidity increased with an increase in the AlPO4 content. The dehydration temperature and the distribution of acid sites are important parameters in determining the selectivity and activity of the catalyst.