Characterization and chemistry of metal oxide nanoparticles

The objective of this work was to further characterize metal oxide nanoparticles and to extend their chemistry. These metal oxide nanoparticles are of great interest due to their high surface areas and unique reactivities. Additional information regarding surface sites was obtained through the use of such advanced techniques as in situ IR, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron spin resonance (ESR). Additionally, these nanoparticles were applied to catalysis.;The dissociation of iodomethane over metal oxide nanoparticles was investigated through the use of an in situ IR cell. The experiments conducted showed that at elevated temperatures methyl iodide dissociates over the nanoparticulate samples yielding surface methoxide which is directly observed in the IR spectrum.;High resolution electron microscopy images provided additional information about the shapes of the particles. Further characterization through the use of ESR afforded information on the Lewis acid and base sites present in the samples. It was found that AP-MgO possesses on the order of 5*1018 Lewis base sites/grain as well as ∼ 2*1018 Lewis acid sites.;It was also found that upon partial transformation of AP-MgO to MgCl 2 catalytic dehydrohalogenation reactions can be carried out with very good selectivity and activity at elevated temperatures. The dynamics of this reaction were thoroughly investigated.