Iron and copper oxide modified SBA-15 materials as catalysts in methanol decomposition: Effect of copolymer template removal

Several SBA-15 type mesoporous silicas, where different means of surfactant removal have been used, have been modified by copper and iron oxide, and tested as catalyst for methanol decomposition. The materials were thoroughly characterized by nitrogen physisorption, X-ray diffraction, Moessbauer spectroscopy and temperature programmed reduction with hydrogen. The different means of template removal results in SBA-15 materials different in mesopore size and degree of microporosity. These parameters have a strong influence on the reductive and catalytic properties of the obtained composite materials.

The initial state of iron and copper oxide species and their reductive and catalytic properties in the SBA-15 host matrix is influenced by the presence of the silica walls microporosity, tailored by the method of tri-block copolymer template removal. These effects depend on the nature of the loaded metal oxide. Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide