Physico-Chemical Properties of Nano ZrO2-Pillared Bentonite with Nickel as Supporting Metal

Abstract

Bentonite was modified through intercalation and calcination using a ZrOCl2 pillaring solution. To create nano Ni/ZrO2-bentonite catalyst, ZrO2 pillared bentonite was impregnated using Ni(NO3)2•6H2O precursor first, then followed by calcination and reduction. The physical-chemical properties of the catalyst was characterized by XRD (X-ray Diffractometer), FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared), surface acidity with NH3 vapor adsorption method, SAA (Surface Area Analyzer) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope). The results of characterization with XRD showed specific peaks for montmorillonite minerals with a monoclinic crystalline type and its chemical composition (Ca)(Al,Mg)6(Si4O10)3(OH)6.nH2O and after pillarization showed a shift in basal spacing d001 to the left (angle 2θ <5°). The typical peak indicating basal spacing d001 shift towards a smaller angle of 2θ was not very apparent after impregnation with nickel metal. Qualitative determination of acidity after adsorption of ammonia showed characteristics at 1404-1635 cm-1 wavenumbers with increasingly sharp spectra indicating increased acidity of the catalyst (Brǿnsted and Lewis acids). Surface area showed a significant increase from 27.385 m2/g to 174.208 m2/g after pillarization and impregnation of nickel metal.