On the activity of ZrO2 prepared by different methods

Article abstract of DOI:10.1023/A:1010110024557

Zirconia samples with different structures (monoclinic, tetragonal or a mixture of the two) was prepared by different methodologies, including a novel procedure involving the precipitation of an oxalate precursor and the formation of pure tetragonal ZrO₂. The different precursors obtained by varying the preparative procedure (ex oxychloride, ex oxalate, and ex gel) were studied by means of differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis under air and under N₂, while the final oxides were characterized by BET, porosimetry and XRD analysis. The surface acid-base properties of the different oxides were assessed via the catalytic decomposition isopropanol. A prevalence of acid sites found for the ex-oxalate ZrO₂ seems to justify the different mechanism of chain growth observed in the carbonylation of methanol with CO/H₂ mixtures in the presence of Rh.