Bimetallic Pd–Cu/ZnO–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Pd–Cu/ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts for methanol synthesis

Monometallic copper and bimetallic palladium-copper catalysts supported on ZnO–Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ were prepared by conventional impregnation method and tested in methanol synthesis reaction under elevated pressure (3.5 MPa) in gradientless reactor at 220°C. The physicochemical properties of prepared catalytic systems were studied using BET, X-ray, TPR-H₂, TPD-NH₃ techniques. The promotion effect of palladium on catalytic activity and selectivity of copper supported catalyst in methanol synthesis reaction was proven. The highest activity of this system is explained by the Pd–Cu alloy formation.     

Mechanical,Structural and Thermal Properties of Transparent Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–ZnO–TeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Glass System

Oxide based optical glass materials has important potential material in many applications from fiber optic to sensor due to the high transparency and amourphous structures. The objective of this study is to synthesize the novel optical glass materials based on the bismuth and aluminum contents to be able to determine the physical, chemical and mechanical properties by considering the systematic experimental steps. In this study, Bi₂O₃–Al₂O₃ based tellurite optical glasses have been prepared by using conventional melt quenching method as a function of the both Bi₂O₃ and Al₂O₃ compositions. There is a strong interactions between the glass former and modifier ions that might effect on the structure and mechanical properties. During the experimental steps, thermal, structural and mechanical properties of the prepared glass materials have been determined considering the DTA/DSC, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM and Vicker’s hardness techniques, respectively. Thermal parameters, like glass transition, T_g, onset, T_x, crystallization, T_p, and melting, T_m, temperatures were obtained by using DTA scan.     

Photon interaction parameters for some ZnO–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> glasses

Some photon interaction parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number, half value layer, mean free path and electron density for 15ZnO–(17.5–x)Al₂O₃–xFe₂O₃–67.5P₂O₅ glass system (x = 0, 7.5, 12.5, 17.5) and 15ZnO–(25–x)Al₂O₃–xFe₂O₃–60P₂O₅ glass system (x = 0, 25) have been investigated in the photon energy range of 1 keV to 100 GeV. It has been observed that all the photon interaction parameters for the selected glass systems vary with the photon energy. Among the selected glass systems, the sample 15ZnO–25Fe₂O₃–60P₂O₅ glass system shows maximum values for mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic numbers, electron densities and minimum values for mean free path and half value layer in the entire energy grid.     

Hydroisomerization of Benzene-Containing Gasoline Fraction on Pt/B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Pt/WO<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Catalysts

The effect of the hydroisomerization conditions of the benzene-containing fraction of catalytic reforming gasoline on the yield and composition of products is studied on Pt/B₂O₃–Al₂O₃ and Pt/WO₃–Al₂O₃ catalysts. These catalysts allow benzene to be completely removed from the raw material. At the same time, the greatest yields of liquid products are obtained with minimal losses of the octane number at 2 MPa, a mass feedstock hourly space velocity (MFHSV) of 2 h^?1, and 325°C: 96.3 and 95.4 wt % on Pt/B₂O₃–Al₂O₃ and Pt/WO₃–Al₂O₃ catalysts, respectively. The activity of the catalysts is maintained for 100 h during their operation.     

Structural heterogeneity of SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> glass

It is shown that the phase heterogeneity of SiO₂–Na₂O–Al₂O₃ glass has a liquation and crystallization nature, the balance between which is determined by the conditions of their synthesis. An increase in the aluminum oxide content decreases the number of liquation and crystallization sites, and also the linear sizes of the crystalline formations without eliminating the phase separation due to the liquation. The area of metastable immiscibility in the SiO₂–Na₂O–Al₂O₃ system, which is determined by scanning electron microscopy, is probably wider than the area detected by the optical methods.     

Porous ceramics based on the ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>)–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system for filtration membranes

The results of the studies of the process of fabricating ceramic filtration membranes in the system ZrO₂(Y₂O₃)–Al₂O₃ are presented. The phase compositions of the precursor powders and sintered ceramics have been investigated and their porous structures have been determined. Two stages of the implementation of the technology were demonstrated: fabrication of substrates with an open porosity ranging from 20 to 47% and pore sizes in the 100–300 nm range, as well as the deposition of nanocrystalline aluminum oxide layers on them. It has been established that the pore size distribution in the membrane layer of α-Al₂O₃ is unimodal (from 30 to 100 nm).     

Crystallization of CaO–MgO–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glass prepared by float process

CaO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ (CMAS) glass was prepared by float process. The effects of TiO₂ and heat-treatment on properties and crystallization behaviors of float glasses were investigated by atomic force microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalyzer, field emission scanning electron microscope and viscosity test. The results showed that CMAS parent glasses produced by float process had a high surface flatness (Ra is less than 80.1 ± 0.1 nm) and low tin penetration (14 μm). When the concentration of TiO₂ increased from 3.51 to 5.01 wt %, the glass transition temperature was decreased, and the crystallization temperature was shifted from 913 to 887°C using differential scanning calorimeter. Field emission scanning electron microscope images showed that phase separation was discovered in CMAS parent glass (containing 3.51 wt % TiO₂) treated at 670°C. Diopside as a major crystalline phase was precipitated in CMAS glass-ceramics nucleated at 700°C for 30 min and followed by crystallization at 910°C for 30 min.     

Physicomechanical properties of refractory Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Si<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript>–C materials with ACPC

A study has been made on the effects of the amount of silicon nitride and graphite on the physicomechanical properties of Al₂O₃–Si₃N₄–C composites for lining purposes. Adding 2.5–5.0 wt.% silicon nitride and 0.5 wt.% reactive alumina improves the properties, raises their apparent density, and increases the mechanical strength, while reducing the open porosity. Optimized compositions have been determined for refractory materials of Al₂O₃–Si₃N₄–C composition, and it has been found that to attain the higher values of physicomechanical properties the amount of graphite should constitute 5–10 wt.%.     

Crystallization and Luminescence Properties of Sm<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-Doped SrO–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Glass-Ceramics

Sm³⁺-doped SrO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ glass-ceramics with excellent luminescence properties were prepared by batch melting and heat treatment. The crystallization behavior and luminescent properties of the glass-ceramics were investigated. The results indicate that the crystal phase in this system is monocelsian (SrAl₂Si₂O₈). Under the excitation with blue light (475 nm) the Sm³⁺-doped SrO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ glass-ceramics emit green, orange and red lights centered at 565, 605, 650 and 715 nm, which can be assigned to the ⁴G_5/2 → ⁶H_J/2 (J = 5, 7, 9, 11) electron transitions in Sm³⁺ ions, respectively. With the increase of nucleation/crystallization temperature, the crystallite part rises from 66 to 79%. Besides, by increasing crystallization temperature or concentration of Sm³⁺, the samples emission located at 565, 605 and 650 nm is intensified significantly. We envision that, by fine controlling and combining of these three (green, orange and red) lights in an appropriate proportion, the Sm³⁺-doped glass-ceramics are promising luminescence materials for white light-emitting diodes devices.     

Hydrodechlorination of CCl<Subscript>4</Subscript> on Pt–Au/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Catalysts

A series of Pt/Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method and were characterized by TEM, XRD, H₂ and CO chemisorptions, and investigated in the hydrodechlorination of tetrachloromethane. Three Pt-rich, Pt–Au/Al₂O₃ catalysts (Pt₁₀₀, Pt₉₅Au₅ and Pt₉₀Au₁₀) showed a similar metal particle size (~2.5–2.7 nm), so observed changes in the catalytic behavior are ascribed to alloying effect, especially because a considerable degree of Pt–Au mixing was achieved in the bimetallic samples. It appeared that by introducing very small amount of gold (10 at.%) to platinum, the catalytic activity is increased. It is argued that the occurrence of this moderate synergistic effect is associated with a decreased tendency of surface chloriding when platinum is alloyed with gold. Zbigniew Kowalczyk—deceased.     

Novel Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> aerogel/porous zirconia composite with ultra-low thermal conductivity

Highly porous zirconia fibers networks with a quasi-layered microstructure were successfully fabricated using vacuum squeeze moulding. The effects of inorganic binder content on the microstructure, room-temperature thermal and mechanical properties of fibrous porous zirconia ceramics were systematically investigated. Al₂O₃–SiO₂ aerogel was impregnated into fibrous porous ceramics, and the microstructures, thermal and mechanical properties of Al₂O₃–SiO₂ aerogel/porous zirconia composites were also studied. Results show that the Al₂O₃–SiO₂ aerogel/porous zirconia composites exhibited higher compressive strength (i.e., 1.22 MPa in the z direction) and lower thermal conductivity [i.e., 0.049 W/(m/K)]. This method provides an efficient way to prepare high-temperature thermal insulation materials.     

Enhancement of the Activities of γ-Ga<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Catalysts for Methane-SCR of NO by Treatment with NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Abstract  

The precursor particles for γ-Ga₂O₃–Al₂O₃ solid solutions were prepared by the coprecipitation method from aqueous solutions of Ga(NO₃)₃ and Al(NO₃)₃ with (NH₄)₂CO₃ as a precipitant. The γ-Ga₂O₃–Al₂O₃ solid solutions were obtained by calcination of the precursor at 700 °C. In this paper, the performance of the catalysts treated with NH₃ was investigated for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with methane as a reducing agent, and it was found that γ-Ga₂O₃–Al₂O₃ catalysts treated with NH₃ and subsequently annealed in air showed higher activities than the γ-Ga₂O₃–Al₂O₃ catalysts without NH₃ treatment. NH₃ treatment of the catalyst caused partial rearrangement of Ga³⁺ and Al³⁺ ions and increased the population of tetrahedral Ga³⁺ ions in the defective spinel structure.     

Synthesis and physicochemical properties of a solid oxide nanocomposite based on a ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Gd<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–MgO system

A highly dispersive powder with a (ZrO₂)_0.92(Y₂O₃)_0.03(Gd₂O₃)_0.03(MgO)_0.02 composition and specific surface area of 150 m²/g has been synthesized via a method of coprecipitation of hydroxides with the subsequent cryochemical treatment of the gel. Nanoceramics based on the cubic modification of zirconium dioxide with the grain size of ~40–45 nm have been obtained. The temperature dependence of the specific electrical conductance of the nanoceramics within a temperature range of 350–870°C in air has been studied, and the ratio of the ionic and electronic parts of the conductance has been determined. Recommendations for the use of the obtained oxide nanocomposite as an electrolyte for a high-temperature fuel cell have been given.     

Preparation and Luminescent Properties of Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped SrO–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Glass–Ceramics for white Light-Emitting Diode

Tb³⁺-doped SrO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ glass-ceramics are prepared by melting under ambient atmosphere and followed by two-step heat treatment approach. Extensive differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope characterizations are applied to investigate thermal properties, crystal structure, and morphology of these glass-ceramics. The results indicate that the optimal ratio of two nucleation agents (TiO₂ and ZrO₂) is 3:1 (molar fraction) in glass-ceramics. In addition, several heat treatment schedules are developed to study the influence of treatment temperature on luminescence properties of Tb³⁺- doped glass-ceramics. The results demonstrate that there are four emission bands located at 489, 547, 588 and 623 nm under 376 nm ultraviolet excitation, corresponding to ⁵D₄ → ⁷F_j (j = 6, 5, 4, 3) transitions of Tb³⁺, respectively. At last, the corresponding chromaticity coordinates are calculated and constructed, which indicates that the Tb³⁺ glass-ceramic can emit approximate white light under 376 nm ultraviolet excitation when they nucleated at 950°C and crystallized at 1050°C. The white immersion approached standard illuminant C as the crystallization temperature increased.     

Phase relationships in the Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>ZnP<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>–LiKZnP<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> system

The phase relationships in the Na₂ZnP₂O₇–LiKZnP₂O₇ system are studied. They are represented by a mixture of the starting components in the subsolidus region. The eutectic was found at a temperature of 640°C and composition of 0.5LiKZnP₂O₇. The phase formation of this system is compared with the previously studied NaKZnP₂O₇–LiKZnP₂O₇ system. It is shown that a structural factor affects the geometry of the state diagrams.     

Study of the influence of extra-framework cations and organic templates on zeolite crystallization in SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–K<Subscript>2</Subscript>О (R<Subscript>2</Subscript>O,RO) systems

Crystallization of zeolites from the gels of the (3–x)К₂О–xR₂O(RO)–0.05Na₂O–Al₂O₃–5SiO₂–100H₂O composition where x was varied from 0 to 3 and R = Li, Na, Rb, Cs, Ba, tetraethylammonium, tetrapropylammonium, and tetrabutylammonium, has been performed by hydrothermal synthesis. The influence of various cationic ratios on the final product of crystallization depending on the synthesis temperature has been studied at constant SiO₂: A₂lO₃ and H₂O: SiО₂ ratios. The correlation between the cationic composition of the initial gels, their structure, and the structure of the crystallizing zeolites has been estimated.     

Monte Carlo Design and Experiments on the Neutron Shielding Performances of B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–ZnO–Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Glass System

Neutron shielding properties of (90 – x)B₂O₃–10ZnO–xBi₂O₃ glass systems (where x = 15, 20, 25 and 30 mol %) were investigated by Monte Carlo simulations (FLUKA and GEANT4) and experiments. Neutron mass removal cross sections, number of inelastic scattering, elastic scattering, and capture interactions were estimated by simulations. ²⁴¹Am/Be neutron source was used for the neutron equivalent dose rate measurements. As a result, produced glass samples have fine neutron shielding capacity.