Copper clusters and small particles stabilized within nanoporous materials

Abstract

Copper was incorporated into mordenites with variable SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio, porous silica xerogels, natural pumice, and γ -alumina. The UV/Visible spectroscopy of the copper species produced as the result of hydrogen reduction and catalytic runs is presented. Different spectral features were detected assignable to nanoparticles, few-atomic clusters, oxide forms and Cu(II) compounds. The significant effect of support upon the redox-behavior of copper is discussed on the basis of experimental data.