Catalytic properties of Al2O3 deposited by ion sputtering using DC and RF sources

Al2O3 used for manufacturing the catalytic converters is applied as a component of porous ceramal or in the form of films deposited by sol-gel methods on metal substrates. Laminar systems comprising Al2O3 could be also produced by reactive DC magnetron sputtering from metallic targets or directly from oxide targets. It was the aim of the present study to determine the catalytic properties of laminar systems composed of FeCrAl steel foils and Al2O3 films 40-120 nm thick as well as Pt films 4-18 nm. These films were deposited by pulse sputtering from an Al target under oxygen and by the target sputtering from monolithic α-Al2O3 ceramal in the oxygen free environment, using the RF magnetron. The films deposited were marked by amorphous structure, preserving the stoichiometry of the system related to Al2O3. The pulse test for which 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol was used in catalytic reaction has shown the occurrence of alkaline and acidic centres in FeCrAl/Al2O3 and FeCrAl/Pt systems.