Abstract
A series of novel nanocomposites constituted of FeCo nanoparticles dispersed in an ordered cubic Im3m mesoporous silica matrix (SBA-16) have been successfully synthesized using the wet impregnation method. SBA-16, prepared using the non-ionic Pluronic 127 triblock copolymer as a structure-directing agent, is an excellent support for catalytic nanoparticles because of its peculiar three-dimensional cage-like structure, high surface area, thick walls, and high thermal stability. Low-angle X-ray diffraction, N2 physisorption, and transmission electron microscopy analyses show that after metal loading, calcination at 500 °C, and reduction in H2 flux at 800 °C, the nanocomposites retain the well-ordered structure of the matrix with cubic symmetry of pores. FeCo alloy nanoparticles with spherical shape and narrow size distribution (4–8 nm) are homogeneoulsy distributed throughout the matrix and they seem in a large extent to be allocated inside the pores.
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Acknowledgments
This work has been carried out within the framework of the project “NANOCAT” funded through the SEED call of the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT). We would like to thank Sardegna Ricerche for the free access to the SAXS apparatus and Prof. M. Monduzzi and Dr. S. Lampis for their help in SAXS measurements.
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Carta, D., Casula, M.F., Bullita, S. et al. Iron–cobalt nanocrystalline alloy supported on a cubic mesostructured silica matrix: FeCo/SBA-16 porous nanocomposites. J Nanopart Res 13, 3489–3501 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-011-0270-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-011-0270-x