Abstract
Synthesis of supported nanoparticles with controlled size and uniform distribution is a major challenge in nanoscience, in particular for applications in catalysis. Cryo-electron tomography revealed with nanometer resolution the 3D distribution of phases present during nanoparticle synthesis via impregnation, drying, and thermal treatment with transition metal salt precursors. By conventional methods a nonuniform salt distribution led to clustered metal oxide nanoparticles (NiO, Co3O4). In contrast, freeze-drying restricted solution mobility during drying and a more uniform nanoparticle distribution was obtained. By this fundamental insight into catalyst preparation, controlled synthesis of supported catalysts was achieved in a way that is also applicable for other nanostructured materials.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 890-896 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Chemistry of Materials |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 26 Mar 2013 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- nanoparticle synthesis
- heterogeneous catalyst
- cryogenic electron tomography
- freeze-drying
- TROPSCH SYNTHESIS CATALYSTS
- HETEROGENEOUS CATALYSIS
- CO3O4 NANOPARTICLES
- IMPREGNATION
- SILICA
- NITRATE
- SIZE
- DECOMPOSITION
- DEACTIVATION
- NUCLEATION