Hybrid mesoporous sílicas as platforms for the controlled synthesis of the metallic nanoparticle: relation between the nanostructuring and the catalytic activity

Abstract

In processes that using heterogeneous catalysis stand out catalysts formed by metal nanoparticles because of their high surface area and catalytic activity, which are usually supported on a porous solid to provide stability and robustness. Many catalytic studies were and still are performed with systems based on metal nanoparticles supported, but there is not clear and comprehensive understanding of how nanostructuration affects the catalytic activity and how to control this activity from changes in the physicochemical properties of the catalysts. In order to contribute of some of these aspects will be synthesized some metals (Cu, Ni, Au, Pt e Pd) and their alloys nanoparticles in mesoporous silicas with ordered arrays of pores. The silicas SBA-15 and SBA-16 are synthesized and subsequently functionalized with an alkoxysilane ionic liquid derivative of the 1-methylimidazole. Then, we will explore the ability of ion exchange of the functionalized materials to promote interaction between the supports and the anionic metal complexes. Finally, the complexes will be reduced to obtain metallic or alloy nanoparticles inside the pores of silicas. The materials formed by nanoparticles supported will be tested for catalytic activity in order to evaluate the performance of each catalyst depending on the size, composition and morphology of the particles that compose it. (AU)