Synthesis and characterization of Co-containing SBA-15 catalysts

Abstract

Two Co-SBA-15 catalysts were synthesized and characterized by thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, porosity, UV–visible diffuse reflectance and temperature programmed reduction with H₂. The first catalyst was prepared synthesizing SBA-15 and then adding Co ions by impregnation (Co_imprSBA-15). The second catalyst was prepared using a more complex procedure of immobilization of cobalt ions in the presence of pyridine and H₂O₂ on –COOH groups anchored to the SBA-15 structure [Co-SBA-15(COOH)]. These COOH groups were created starting from cyano groups introduced during the synthesis of the periodic mesoporous materials as 4-triethoxysilylbutyronitrile.

Characterization of the samples indicates that in both cases the typical 2D periodical hexagonal structure of SBA-15 was obtained, but with less ordered packing in the second case. The cobalt is highly dispersed in the SBA-15 (up to 9% w/w) and is present mainly as Co²⁺ ions in highly distorted tetrahedral or square pyramidal coordination. Some coordinatively unsaturated Co(II) Lewis acid centers are present in Co_imprSBA-15, while in Co-SBA-15(COOH) coordination of pyridine to cobalt tentatively may induce the formation of Co³⁺ ions, although in both catalysts the dominant species are Co²⁺ ions in a very close environment.