Supercritical water impregnation of CuO nanoparticles on silica-support as new catalyst

Abstract

In our current study, supercritical water impregnation (SCWI) was introduced as a unique catalyst preparation method by employing the high diffusivity property of supercritical water. The method allows nano-particles to place on support surfaces in extremely dispersed conditions. The silica-based nanocatalyst granules for this purpose were prepared by initial impregnation of highly porous silica (500 m²/g) in aqueous nitrate solutions, followed by hydrothermal decomposition of the nitrates to oxides at supercritical condition. The prepared sample prior to undergoing characterized by X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption analysis (BET). Although the catalytic properties of the CuO in silica supports were not evaluated, the procedure of employing supercritical water in comparison to other routes to deposit metal oxide particles on hydrophobic surfaces inside support structures offers promise for catalyst preparation without the use of toxic or noxious solvents.