Synthesis and Characterization of Bimetallic Ni50Pt50 Catalyst Supported on SiO2 for N2O Decomposition

Nanometallic and bimetallic catalyst of Ni, Pt and Ni50Pt50 were studied by the decompositions of N2O. The catalyst were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of the silica with low superficial area of 50 m2/g supported with aqueous solution of the metal precursors, for Pt H2Pt Cl6 x 6H2O was used and for Ni, Ni(NO3)2 was used to a total metal loading of 1% wt. Catalyst were oxidized for 2 hours at 400 degrees C with O2, then the samples were reduced for 30 minutes with N2 and 2 hours with H2, all at the same temperature. The catalyst was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High Angular Annular Dark Field (HAADF), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) and Termoprogramed Reduction (TPR). The mean particle sizes obtained by TEM and HAADF were about 12.5 nm for Ni/SiO2, 2.8 nm for Pt/SiO2 and 3.5 nm Ni50Pt50/SiO2 catalysts respectability. HR-TEM and HAADF analysis showed differences between Ni and Pt catalysts displaying mainly cuboctahedral shapes. Stepped surface defects were found in the Ni50Pt50/SiO2 catalyst. Finally Ni50Pt50/SiO2 was more active than Pt/SiO2 and Ni/SiO2 catalysts for the decomposition of N2O.