Optimization of the preparation procedure of cobalt modified silicas as catalysts in methanol decomposition

Novel modified “chemisorption–hydrolysis” technique and conventional “incipient wetness impregnation” procedure were compared for loading of cobalt species on mesoporous silica supports. Effect of cobalt amount, pH of the precursor solution, duration of the “chemisorption” procedure and pre-treatment medium, as well as topological characteristics of the mesoporous silica support were investigated. The state of the loaded cobalt species was studied by XRD, FTIR, FTIR of adsorbed pyridine, UV–vis, XPS and TPR methods and their catalytic properties were elucidated in methanol decomposition to hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The “incipient wetness impregnation” technique facilitates the formation of finely dispersed spinel cobalt oxide species. Their catalytic activity could be significantly increased by hydrogen pretreatment, but the effect is more pronounced when mesoporous silica with ordered pseudo 1D pore structure (SBA-15) is used as a support. The modified “chemisorption–hydrolysis” procedure facilitates the formation of strongly interacting with the support cobalt species, which are stable under the reduction conditions. Their properties could be regulated during the modification procedure, by varying the cobalt content and pH of the impregnated solution as well as by the duration of the “chemisorption” procedure.

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► Novel chemisorption–hydrolysis method for loading of cobalt on mesoporous silicas.
► Wetness impregnation facilitates formation of finely dispersed Co3O4 particles.
► Chemisorption–hydrolysis produces strongly interacted with the support species.
► Successful control of cobalt phase composition by varying chemisorption procedure.
► Under reduction medium pore topology of silica strongly affects catalytic activity.