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Synthesis of mesoporous zirconia using an amphoteric surfactant

Book ·
OSTI ID:427689
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA (United States)

An amphoteric surfactant, cocamidopropyl betaine, was used for the synthesis of mesoporous zirconia. The carboxylate functionality of the surfactant permitted strong bonding with soluble zirconium species, while the quaternary ammonium group ensured large headgroup area and high solubility under acidic conditions. An amphoteric co-template [betaine, or (carboxymethyl)trimethylammonium hydroxide] improved uniformity of the hexagonal mesophase. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the as-synthesized zirconium sulfate mesophase indicated hexagonal mesostructure, and low-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed a 41 {angstrom} primary d-spacing and two higher order reflections of a hexagonal lattice. High surface area zirconia was produced by controlled base treatment of the hexagonal mesophase with sodium hydroxide, followed by calcination. TEM and XRD indicated that the mesostructure was stable to 350 C.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
427689
Report Number(s):
CONF-960401--; ISBN 1-55899-338-X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English