Synthesis and adsorption properties of intimately intermingled mixed metal oxidenanoparticles

Abstract

A series of intimately intermingled mixed metal oxide nanoparticles were prepared via a modified aerogel procedure (MAP). These mixed oxides were composed of alkaline earth oxides and aluminas. It was found that the surface area and reactivity of these materials decreased on going from magnesium to barium in these intimately intermingled metal oxides. The samples were analyzed by HRTEM and the images obtained illustrate the degree of mixing throughout each of the intermingled mixed metal oxides. As well as synthesizing and characterizing these samples, standardized adsorption tests were also carried out and compared to those of individual metal oxide nanoparticles and physical mixtures of metal oxide nanoparticles. The following tests have been shown to be effective in determining the adsorption properties of metal oxide nanoparticles: (i) destructive adsorption of paraoxon (a surrogate of the chemical warfare nerve agent, VX) and (ii) the adsorption of acid gases. The data clearly show enhanced kinetics and capacities for the intermingled AP-MgAl₂O₄ and indeed, the data suggest that surface reactivities can be tailored by the aerogel mixing process.