Abstract
Pd/ZrO2 nanocomposite materials were synthesised following a two-step procedure. Firstly, tetragonal zirconia was prepared via a chemical route; then it was subjected to an in-situ electrochemical impregnation with palladium nanoparticles. Different process times lead to a different Pd loading in the resulting material. Pd/ZrO2 powders were subjected to morphological and spectroscopic characterisation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed that ZrO2 nanograins have an average size of 150±70nm, and are composed of smaller sub-grains (average diameter = 40±10 nm). Spherical Pd nanoparticles are evenly dispersed on the oxide support, their average core diameter being 6.9±1.8 nm. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was used to asses the materials surface chemical composition. Testing the catalysts for the CO oxidation revealed an appreciable activity of the Pd-modified ZrO2 samples. TEM and XPS analyses were also performed on materials exposed to prolonged catalytic runs and contributed to shed light on the catalysis mechanism. A rationale for the results obtained on the CO conversion process was proposed, invoking a key- catalytic role of finely dispersed PdO sites. The nanomaterial morphological stability and reactivity encouraged to employ it in the Heck synthesis of butyl cinnamate. This process was demonstrated to take place with high conversion values and interesting stability towards catalyst recycling.
Keywords: XPS, TEM, Pd, ZrO2, nanoparticle, electrosynthesis
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Role of nanomaterials in fabrication of coatings, Machining and Joining
The application of nanoscience has brought about a revolution in the field of mechanical engineering by providing novel materials, boosting manufacturing processes, and generating cutting-edge products. The purpose of this special issue is to investigate the enormous impact that nanoscience has had on mechanical engineering, with a particular emphasis on ...read more
Advanced Inorganic Nanocomposites and Their Emerging Applications
This special issue collection will highlight developments on the recent trends about the synthesis of metal oxides, nanoclusters, biomaterials, 2D nanomaterials, nanocrystals, nanocomposites, etc. and their applications in electrochemical systems, tissue regeneration, energy storage and harvesting, sensors, etc. The novelty of the methods in the chemical synthesis and their characterizations, ...read more
Applicability of Nanotechnology for Performance Enhancement of Clean Energy Technologies
Population growth, industrialization, and improvement in living quality would lead to further increase in energy demand in near future. Regarding the disadvantages of fossil fuels such as fluctuations in their price, high emissions of greenhouse gases and restriction of their sources, it is crucial to use and exploit alternative energy ...read more
Graphene and 2D Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion
This thematic issue will discuss the recent advances in graphene-based nanomaterials for different energy technologies. Graphene possesses a high surface area, and stable structure and exhibits many interesting electronic, optical, and mechanical properties due to its 2D crystal structure. Graphene is of both fundamental interest and suitable for a wide ...read more
Related Books
Nanoscale Field Effect Transistors: Emerging Applications
Nanoelectronics Devices: Design, Materials, and Applications Part II
Nanoelectronics Devices: Design, Materials, and Applications (Part I)
Role of Nanotechnology in Cancer Therapy
Synthesis and Applications of Semiconductor Nanostructures
Pathways to Green Nanomaterials: Plants as Raw Materials, Reducing Agents and Hosts
Applications of Nanomaterials in Medical Procedures and Treatments
Synthesis of Nanomaterials
Nanobiotechnology: Principles and Applications
Bio-Inspired Nanotechnology
7