Synthesis, structure, and morphology of bifunctional catalysts based on zirconia modified by molybdenum oxide

The preparation of Pt/MoOx-ZrO2 materials has been carried out by polymeric precursor method and with molybdenum loadings in the range 10-20 wt %. The synthesized samples were calcined at 600, 700, and 800 degrees C. The structure and texture of the calcined Pt/MoOx-ZrO2 materials were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and N-2 adsorption measurements. XRD of the calcined samples revealed the formation of crystalline ZrO2, Pt metal, and Zr(MoO4)(2). Crystalline Zr(MoO4)(2) was also detected by FTIR spectra. A decrease in the specific surface area was observed by nitrogen adsorption experiments when the temperatures of calcination and molybdenum loading increased.