The Physical Structure and the Effect of Silica Xerogel Support on Metal Catalyst

Abstract

Silica xerogel is used as a support of metal catalysts. This paper deals with the relation between the physical structure and the supporting effect of the silica xerogel on the dispersibility and the heat resistivity of the supported palladium particles. It was found that specific area of metallic palladium (a measure of dispersibility) was a function of the micropores and the rate of sintering of palladium particles (a measure of heat resistivity) was proportional to the mean radius of the micropores. Consequently, it may be concluded that the mean radius of the support may play an important role in the dispersibility and heat resistivity of palladium particles.