Synthesis of ultrastable silver catalyst supported on alumina nanofibers for carbon monoxide combustion

Abstract

A catalyst consists of fine aggregates nanoflowers of alumina as support and uniform coating of silver as active component was fabricated to oxidize carbon monoxide. The alumina nanofibers synthesized via a simple electrochemical method. XRD and FE-SEM analysis showed that the thickness of silver deposit was in the range of subnanometer. Elemental mapping also showed a uniform distribution of silver. Also, BET and EDX tests were performed to measure the specific surface area and elemental composition of the catalyst, respectively. Its catalytic activity was measured, and at GHSV equal to 60000 ml/h.g, the end temperature of the oxidizing reaction was 175°C. By increasing the GHSV to 120,000 ml/h.g, the end temperature of the reaction reached 190°C. The thermal stability of the catalyst was also high, as the specific surface area of the catalyst changed from 87m2/g to 51m2/g by increasing the temperature from ambient temperature to 900°C. Due to the high stability of alumina, the structure of the catalyst is always stable. On the other hand, feasibility studies have been given special attention to the advancement of the project. Therefore, for the synthesis of nanocatalyst, available precursors and a simple method have been used, so there will be no problem in the mass production of the catalyst. It is hoped to be able to synthesize nanocatalysts with similar structure and mass production capability for other chemical reactions with this method.