Synthesis and characterization of Mo2C based materials over activated carbon derived from sewage sludge pyrolysis for catalytic applications

Abstract

Transition metal carbides have been successfully used as substitute materials for conventional noble metal catalyst in several important industrial reactions due to their interesting physicochemical properties. Surface structure, chemical composition and metal-support interactions, as well as processing conditions, are of utmost importance in the use of such materials in catalysis. The present study aimed to synthesize and evaluate pure molybdenum carbide with and without support, and bimetallic Mo-Ni carbide over a carbon active support derived from sewage sludge pyrolysis. The support was chemically (KOH) and physically (thermal treatment) activated before use. TG/DTG, XRD, XRF, SEM, BET and particle size evaluation were performed, together with adsorption/desorption isotherms. Results indicated that the applied synthesis method was adequate for the obtainment of pure materials. The increase in surface area of the support was significant, from 13 to 141 m2.g-1 after the thermal and chemical treatment; also, supporting Mo2C over carbon provided an increase from 45 to 73 m2.g-1 in surface area, which indicated its potential as a catalytic material as well as the effectiveness of the applied methodology.