Surface Properties and Catalytic Activity of CuO–AlPO4 Catalysts

Abstract

CuO–AlPO4 samples containing varying amounts of CuO were prepared at 25°C. The catalysts were obtained by thermal treatment, in air, at 500°C. The textural properties of the catalysts were determined from nitrogen adsorption measurements at –196°C. The surface acidity was determined by a calorimetric method. The conversion of isopropanol was measured on CuO–AlPO4 samples using microcatalytic techniques. An enormous change in the textural properties was found as a result of the effect of CuO on the structure of AlPO4. The surface acidity decreased with increasing CuO content. The catalytic dehydration of isopropanol is related to the surface acidity while dehydrogenation of the alcohol depends on the CuO content.