Specific surface area, crystallite size and thermokinetic of oxide formation γ → α-Al2O3 nano powders at 570 – 1470 K

Powders where the γ≈α-Al2O3-nano phases are the priority precursors for catalysts for heterogeneous catalysis with the maximum content of surface 5-coordinated Al centers for Pt attachment. Hydrogenated nano powders (~8 nm) of γ-, γ '-, θ-, κ-Al2O3 soluble in hydrochloric acid were obtained from the processing of aluminum boride powders with an icosahedral structure. Samples, which underwent a step-by-step and single heating of 50-100K heat treatment for 2 hours at temperatures of 570-1470K, were received in quantity of 34. The specific surface area of SВET, m2g-1 was measured by the thermal nitrogen desorption express method of gas chromatography through the GC-1 device. X-ray (phase and coherent), fluorescence and phase chemical-analytical evaluation of the samples were performed. The thermokinetic characteristics of the processes are calculated using the exponential Arrhenius law. Dimensional characteristics of crystallites (10.4-48 nm); specific surface area of powders (213-8.6 m2g-1, SВET); thermokinetic parameters of α-Al2O3 crystallite growth process (V α-Al2O3 - 1.44 10-3 - 6.67 10-3 nm s-1; E α-Al2O3 = 38.7±2.1kJ mol-1; A0 = 0.16±0.0 s-1 along the temperature line 1220-1470K were determined and calculated. The process of dehydration of two OH-groups occurs in the region 570-720K Ea H2O ↑ = 30.5 ± 0.5 kJ mol-1 A0 = 1.33±0.3 s-1. The last group of OH at temperatures of 820 -1070К and a rate of 2.13 10-4 - 4.93 10-4 mol s-1 Ea H2O ↑ = 13.2 ± 0.8 kJ mol-1 A0 = 16.9 ± 0.9 s-1. The activation energy of the phase transition is Ea., γ → α-Al2O3 = 23.9 ± 1.0 kJ mol-1 A0 = 2.01 ± 0.72 s-1 (770-970K) and Ea., γ → α-Al2O3 = 83.5 ± 0.8 kJ mol-1 A0 =(2,05±0,95) 103 s-1 (1070-1170K). It agrees well with the known heat of conversion Eа, γ→α-Al2O3 = 85 kJ mol-1. The TK of γ≈α-Al2O3-nano phases is at 1170K.

Transition Metal Aluminum Boride as a New Candidate for Ambient-Condition Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis

Achieving more meaningful N2 conversion by reducing the energy input and carbon footprint is now being investigated through a method of N2 fixation instead of the Haber–Bosch process. Unfortunately, the electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR) method as a rising approach currently still shows low selectivity (Faradaic efficiency < 10%) and high-energy consumption [applied potential at least − 0.2 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)]. Here, the role of molybdenum aluminum boride single crystals, belonging to a family of ternary transition metal aluminum borides known as MAB phases, is reported for the electrochemical NRR for the first time, at a low applied potential (− 0.05 V versus RHE) under ambient conditions and in alkaline media. Due to the unique nano-laminated crystal structure of the MAB phase, these inexpensive materials have been found to exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performances (NH3 yield: 9.2 µg h−1 cm−2 mg cat. −1 , Faradaic efficiency: 30.1%) at the low overpotential, and to display a high chemical stability and sustained catalytic performance. In conjunction, further mechanism studies indicate B and Al as main-group metals show a highly selective affinity to N2 due to the strong interaction between the B 2p/Al 3p band and the N 2p orbitals, while Mo exhibits specific catalytic activity toward the subsequent reduction reaction. Overall, the MAB-phase catalyst under the synergy of the elements within ternary compound can suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction and achieve enhanced NRR performance. The significance of this work is to provide a promising candidate in the future synthesis of ammonia.

Synthesis of Al-B system nanostructures by interaction of disperse aluminium with boron and diborane in arc discharge plasma

Experimental studies of aluminium boride synthesis as a result of interaction of disperse aluminum with diborane B2H6 and disperse boron in a flow of thermal plasma of different composition generated in electric arc plasma torch have been carried out. Experimental work on the synthesis of aluminium boride nanoparticles from elements (a mixture of disperse aluminum and boron) has shown the possibility of obtaining in thermal plasma arc discharge of such phases of the boride as AlB12 and AlB31. The specific surface of the powders obtained is from 3 to 27 m2/g. According to X-ray phase analysis, the powders obtained, except for aluminum boride phases, also contain boron, aluminum, aluminum nitride and boric acid phases. The greatest yield of aluminum boride phases is provided by using the nitrogen plasma with hydrogen and enthalpy 4.5 kWt∙h/m3 in the reactor with increased high-temperature zone. The use of gaseous diborane made it possible to eliminate restrictions on the evaporation of boron particles but did not provide an opportunity to obtain aluminum borides in the plasma-chemical process. It was concluded that it is necessary to perform quenching of high-temperature gas flow containing boron and aluminum vapor to form aluminum borides from the gas phase in plasma-chemical synthesis. Such an approach should ensure that the temperature is reduced to the values at which aluminum borides are stable and that the formation of aluminum boride nanoparticles will occur as a result of condensation from the gas phase under these conditions.