SOL-GEL SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COPPER STABILIZED ZIRCONIA NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

A sol-gel method is investigated to synthesize CuO – ZrO 2 nanoparticles as catalyst for hydrogen production from methanol. Finer precursor nanoparticles give rise to larger specific areas in catalyst which result in a high hydrogen production. The effects of some critical process parameters on the sol-gel synthesis of CuO – ZrO 2 nanoparticles are studied. These parameters are affected on synthesis of CuO – ZrO 2 when it is prepared with sol-gel method. Particle size and distribution are considered as the results. The parameters including the effect of calcination temperature, aging temperature, nature and concentration of catalyst (acidic or basic conditions), H 2 O /precursor molar ratio, and chelating agent that have been identified as most important, are focused. It is found that the calcination temperature strongly influenced the morphology and interaction between the active species and support, and hence the structure and catalytic performance. Nature and concentration of catalyst ( pH value), chelating agent, ( H 2 O /precursor) molar ratio and also aging temperature have influence on the nanoparticles. Thus, by controlling these factors, it is possible to vary the morphology and properties of the sol-gel-derived inorganic network over wide ranges. Morphology, particle size and distribution, phase evaluation, structure, and chemical analysis of the products are investigated by SEM, TEM, DTA/TG, XRD and EDX respectively.