Correlating the effect of preparation methods on the structural and magnetic properties, and reducibility of CuFe2O4 catalysts. Issue 24 (23rd May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khunphonoi, Rattabal; Khemthong, Pongtanawat; Luadthong, Chuleeporn; Kuboon, Sanchai; Kongmark, Chanapa; Viriya-empikul, Nawin; Kidkhunthod, Pinit; Pinitsoontorn, Supree; Faungnawakij, Kajornsak
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 12:Issue 24(2022)
• Page Start: 15526
• Page End: 15533
• Publication Date: 2022-05-23
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d2ra01708c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : The preparation method plays an important role in the structural properties and catalytic performance of CuFe2 O4 catalysts. Abstract : CuFe2 O4 spinel oxide has attracted research interest because of its versatile practical applications, especially for catalysis. In this study, nanometre-sized CuFe2 O4 particles were prepared by three different methods, including nanospace confinement in SBA-15, hard template removal, and sol–gel combustion. The relationship between structure, size, magnetic behaviour, and reducibility of the catalysts was further investigated by various advanced techniques. Samples prepared by impregnation and hard template removal show high surface area and small crystallite size with superparamagnetic behaviour. In contrast, the sol–gel sample exhibits ferromagnetic properties with a large crystallite size and low surface area. Although all samples present a tetragonal crystal structure, the distributions of Fe and Cu cations in tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the spinel structure are different. The reducibility results demonstrate that the supported CuFe2 O4 /SBA-15 shows the lowest reduction profile. These results could suggest that the synthesis method strongly affects the crystal properties and cation distribution in the spinel structure, microstructure, surface area and reducibility, which are among the most relevant physicochemical properties for the catalytic activity.