Direct synthesis of 20-nm-thick MgAl2O4 spinel nanowires on an alumina substrate and their use as supports for size-controlled platinum nanoparticles

Abstract

MgAl2O4 spinel nanowires with diameter of 20nm were synthesized by controlling the thermal reactions of MgO nanoparticles on Al-coated Al2O3 substrate at 800°C in Ar. We explored the controlled deposition of Pt nanoparticles on these nanowires. The increase of deposition time increased the amount of Pt loading. Addition of H2 to the carrier gas suppressed the enlargement of Pt nanoparticles during deposition, resulting in the formation of 2-nm-size-nanoparticles. The nanowire-based catalytic system enhanced the conversion efficiency of catalytic CO oxidation.