Cataluminescence and catalysis properties of CO oxidation over porous network of ZrO 2 nanorods synthesized by a bio-template

Abstract

A network of ZrO 2 nanorods was prepared using the porous biomembranes as templates. The sample was characterized by SEM, XRD and nitrogen physicosorption isotherm. ZrO 2 nanoparticles were also prepared with a hydrothermal method in order to compare with this network. The results showed that after being calcined at 800 °C for 24 h, a volume contraction of ZrO 2 nanorod network occurred accompanied by a phase transformation of tetragonal-to-monoclinic ZrO 2; but the nanoparticles have grown into the large microparticles; as a result, ZrO 2 nanorod network has a higher BET area (45.7 m 2 g -1) and a larger pore volume (0.20 cm 3 g -1). The calcined network showed a higher cataluminescence (CL) intensity of CO oxidation and a higher combustion activity than the calcined particles, which was ascribed its high surface area, as well as advanced pores. © Teng et al.