The Open Catalysis Journal

2009, 2 : 86-91
Published online 2009 May 8. DOI: 10.2174/1876214X00902010086
Publisher ID: TOCATJ-2-86

Cataluminescence and Catalysis Properties of CO Oxidation Over Porous Network of ZrO2 Nanorods Synthesized by a Bio-Template

Teng Fei , Zhu Yongfa , He Gang , Gao Guizhi and Meng Dennis Desheng
Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, USA.

ABSTRACT

A network of ZrO2 nanorods was prepared using the porous biomembranes as templates. The sample was characterized by SEM, XRD and nitrogen physicosorption isotherm. ZrO2 nanoparticles were also prepared with a hydrothermal method in order to compare with this network. The results showed that after being calcined at 800oC for 24 h, a volume contraction of ZrO2 nanorod network occurred accompanied by a phase transformation of tetragonal-to-monoclinic ZrO2; but the nanoparticles have grown into the large microparticles; as a result, ZrO2 nanorod network has a higher BET area (45.7 m2 g-1) and a larger pore volume (0.20 cm3 g-1). The calcined network showed a higher cataluminescence (CL) intensity of CO oxidation and a higher combustion activity than the calcined particles, which was ascribed its high surface area, as well as advanced pores.

Keywords:

ZrO2 network, Biomembrane, CO.