Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of Transition Metal Incorporated Mesoporous Materials

Abstract

The work presented in the thesis sheds light on the synthesis of SBA-15 supported transition metal nanocomposites and their importance as improved catalytic systems for the reduction of nitroaromatics. The main emphasis has been laid on the synthesis of varying morphologies of transition metallic nano species within the mesoporous host as a function of increased metal loading and studying its effect on the various physicochemical and catalytic properties of nanocomposites. The whole work has been divided into five chapters. Chapter 1 Introduction, Literature survey and Experimental procedures This chapter provides a brief introduction to the historical background of the porous materials, different pathways of synthesis of mesoporous materials like SBA-15, importance of SBA-15 as a preferred mesoporous host. Moreover, reports based on the recent developments in the field of transition metal (Au, Ag, Cu/CuO as well as bimetallic Au-Ag) supported SBA-15 nanocomposites have also been discussed. A brief description of the methodology and various techniques used for the characterization of optical, thermal, surface structural morphology and catalytic properties of prepared nanocomposites have also been incorporated. Chapter 2 Homogeneous dispersion of Au nanoparticles into mesoporous SBA-15 exhibiting improved catalytic activity for nitroaromatic reduction This chapter demonstrates the synthesis of homogeneously dispersed Au loaded SBA-15 nanocomposites by varying the Au loading from 1-5 and 10 wt. % by post modified method. It was found that with an increase in the amount of Au loading, followed by calcination at 350 oC, a change of morphology from Au nanospheres (5-6 nm) for 4 wt. % Au loading to rod-like Au nanostructures (width 6-9 nm and length 90-180 nm) beyond 5 wt. % loading was observed.