Surface active holmia/ γ-alumina nanocatalyst: Preparation and characterization

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Balboul, Basma A.A.^{a; b; *} | Nohman, A.K.^b | Abd El-baki, Randa F.^{b; c} | Elshemery, Moutera S.^a

Affiliations: [a] Chemistry Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia | [b] Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt | [c] Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Vally University, El-Kharja, Egypt

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Basma A.A. Balboul, Chemistry Department, College of Science, Jouf University, P.O. Box 2014, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: Holmia supported γ-alumina nanocatalyst was prepared by impregnation of γ-alumina with aqueous solution of holmium acetate hydrate Ho(CH3COO)3.3.5 H2O. The physicochemical characteristics of the nanocatalyst calcined at 600°C were established by different techniques, using surface adsorption–desorption of N2 (SBET), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The recorded optical reflectance of the sample showed that the new self-assembled nanocatalyst is excellent as host material for advanced optical applications. Moreover, the catalyst showed enhanced catalytic activity toward Isopropyl alcohol decomposition.

Keywords: Nano-supported catalyst, holmia on γ-Alumina, holmium acetate, self- assembly, band gap energy, characterization

DOI: 10.3233/MGC-200962

Journal: Main Group Chemistry, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 283-294, 2020