Effect of the metal support interactions on the physicochemical and magnetic properties of Ni catalysts

Abstract In this work, the effect of the preparation method on the physicochemical and magnetic properties of nickel-containing catalysts is analysed. The catalysts were prepared by two methods, incipient wetness impregnation and precipitation-deposition using two commercial oxides, γ-Al 2 O 3 (Rhone-Poulenc) and SiO 2 (AF125, Kali Chemie) as supports. The precursors were dried at 393 K for 16 h and then calcined at 823 K for 4 h. The physicochemical characterization of the catalysts included nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and chemical analysis. A SQUID magnetometer was employed in the magnetic characterization. The basic compositional and structural characteristics of these Ni-based nanoporous catalysts are analysed in relation to their magnetic response.