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Title: A Novel Synthesis Route for Bimetallic CoCr–MCM-41 Catalysts with Higher Metal Loadings. Their Application in the High Yield, Selective Synthesis of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Journal Article · · Journal of Catalysis

We present a study on CoCr-MCM-41 catalysts with stable nm-sized particles. The focus is their promoting effect on the synthesis of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT). Bimetallic CoCr-MCM-41 catalysts were synthesized by combined grafting and incorporation of metals in the framework. This synthesis allowed an increase in the maximum metal loading in the MCM-41 framework while maintaining nm-sized Co particles stable in high-temperature reactive environments. The SWNT yield was increased by more than 100% from the Co-MCM-41 catalyst. Cobalt is responsible for SWNT nucleation. The role of chromium is to anchor small cobalt particles during reduction and prevent their sintering into large unreactive particles. A larger fraction of the cobalt in the bimetallic catalysts becomes available for the SWNT synthesis when compared to the monometallic one, leading to a significant yield increase. Another effect of the addition of Cr was a shift of the SWNT diameter distribution to smaller nanotubes.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). National Synchrotron Light Source
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE - OFFICE OF SCIENCE
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC02-98CH10886
OSTI ID:
1020142
Report Number(s):
BNL-95626-2011-JA; JCTLA5; TRN: US201116%%123
Journal Information:
Journal of Catalysis, Vol. 271, Issue 2; ISSN 0021-9517
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English