Formation and structural characteristics of Pd–Ag/SiO2 and Pd–Cu/SiO2 catalysts synthesized by cogelation

Abstract Pd–Ag/SiO2 and Pd–Cu/SiO2 xerogel catalysts have been synthesized by cogelation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and chelates of either Pd and Ag or Pd and Cu with 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane (EDAS). After an extensive study of the influences of synthesis operating variables over structural characteristics of gels, highly dispersed bimetallic Pd–Ag/SiO2 and Pd–Cu/SiO2 xerogel catalysts were obtained. These samples are then composed of completely accessible Pd–Ag and Pd–Cu alloy crystallites with sizes of 2–3.5 nm located inside silica particles exhibiting a monodisperse microporous distribution. It appears also that the metal complex acts as a nucleation agent in the formation of silica particles.