Synthesis and characterization of carbon-supported nanoparticles for catalytic applications

• Published in: Carbon (New York) Vol. 46; no. 3; pp. 511 - 517
• Main Authors: Cahen, S., Furdin, G., Marêche, J.F., Albiniak, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2008; Elsevier Science; Elsevier
• Subjects: Catalysis; Chemical Sciences; Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Fullerenes and related materials; diamonds, graphite; General and physical chemistry; Inorganic chemistry; Material chemistry; Materials science; Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena; Physics; Specific materials; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; Characterization; Nanoparticles; Catalytic reaction; Supports; Synthesis; Carbon
• ISSN: 0008-6223; 1873-3891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2007.12.017

Metallic and carburized tungsten nanoparticles have been prepared using WCl 6 as precursor. The synthesis steps lead from tungsten hexachloride to tungsten carbide following the sequence WCl 6 → W 0 → α-W 2C → WC. These different compounds have been mainly characterized by X-ray diffraction, TEM observations and adsorption measurements. The total reduction of tungsten hexachloride can be completed at T = 973 K. The carburizing of the metallic lattice into carbide WC is observed at 1223 K although incomplete. At this temperature, crystal growth phenomena appear which are not desired for catalysis applications. The synthesis of nanoparticles supported on activated carbon is accompanied by a decrease of the specific surface area of samples, especially during high temperature carburizing.