Synthesis of Cu–Cr diketo, sublimable, eutectic composite complex, rod crystals from LDH as suitable MOCVD precursor of CuCr2O4 catalysts upon ceramic preforms for N2O decomposition

Abstract

Metal-acteylacetonates are important sublimable metal-organic precursors for metal-oxide thin film formation over solid preforms by MOCVD (Metal Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition) technique. Mixed-metal-acetylacetonates (MMAA) are suitable starting materials for mixed metal nano-oxidic thin film formation through such facile routes. Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) of suitable metal ion combination can perform as appropriate starting base for neutralisation by enol form of 2,4-pentanedione or acteylacetonate tautomer ligands to obtain such MMAA. In this paper synthesis of composite crystals of Cu(II)/Cr(III) acetylacetonates (CCAA) is reported by the reaction of Cu–Cr-LDH with acetylacetone. The products were characterized by various different techniques. The surface area and pore volume analysis of the crystals showed the formation of nanopores in the compound. TEM analysis confirmed that the inner core of the nanoporous crystals of Cu(acac)2 was covered by coating of poorly crystallised Cr(acac)3 and they together form the composite crystals, and they together form the composite crystals. Due to eutectic mixture formation the melting point of CCAA lies in between the melting points of individual components Cu(acac)2 and Cr(acac)3 and shows sublimability, a property important for the formation of MOCVD films. The composite was used for CuCr2O4 spinel mixed oxide films formation over solid ceramic honeycomb monolithic substrates. Application prospects of the route in the field of catalysis is high as it can directly combine the benefits of mixed metal oxide catalysis and structured supports without the involvement of a third component. In this work the performance of such a catalytic device has been tested for low temperature decomposition of high Global Warming Potential (GWP) gas N2O to N2 and O2.