Cataluminescence and Catalysis Properties of CO Oxidation Over Porous Network of ZrO2 Nanorods Synthesized by a Bio-Template

Abstract

A network of ZrO2 nanorods was prepared using the porous biomembranes as templates. The sample was char- acterized by SEM, XRD and nitrogen physicosorption isotherm. ZrO2 nanoparticles were also prepared with a hydrother- mal method in order to compare with this network. The results showed that after being calcined at 800 o C for 24 h, a vol- ume contraction of ZrO2 nanorod network occurred accompanied by a phase transformation of tetragonal-to-monoclinic ZrO2; but the nanoparticles have grown into the large microparticles; as a result, ZrO2 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.