Ternary transition metal oxides within mesoporous MCM-48 silica phases: Synthesis and characterization

Abstract

Abstract Ternary cobalt(II) iron(III) oxide nanoparticles were synthesized within mesoporous MCM-48 silica phases by applying wet impregnation technique, drying, and calcination procedures at different temperatures. X-ray diffraction and EXAFS measurements revealed the existence of small particles without the destruction of the MCM-48 host structure. Nitrogen physisorption and low-angle X-ray diffraction data confirmed the preservation of the mesopores of the nanostructured host/guest compound. The measured reduction of the inner surface and pore diameter indicated the coating of the inner surface of the mesopores of the MCM-48 silica phase with cobalt iron oxide. XANES investigations proved the existence of cobalt(II) and iron(III) within the slightly disordered nanoparticles.