Template synthesis and characterization of mesoporous CeO₂ and Ru-loaded mesoporous CeO₂

Abstract

A series of mesoporous ceria (m-CeO₂) have been synthesized using Brij 35 and some co-surfactants as template agents. The samples have been characterized by XRD, FT-IR and N₂ adsorption-desorption analyses. The mesoporous material prepared with CTAB and Brij 35 shows the best catalytic performance in comparison to material prepared using Brij 35 alone or along with other co-surfactants like PEG2000. The Ru/m-CeO₂ catalyst shows the highest activity for the conversion of methanol. The results also indicate that the synthesis temperature, ageing temperature and calcination temperature affect the surface area, pore volume, thermal resistance and the pore diameter of the prepared materials. Also, temperature plays an important role in the preparation of mesoporous ceria.