| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Martin, Luis E. Sotelo
;
O'Shea, Nicole M.
;
Mason, Jeremy K.
;
Castro, Ricardo H. R.
Total Authors: 4
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Journal of Physical Chemistry C; v. N/A, p. 12-pg., 2023-02-02. |
| Abstract | |
The thermal stability of zinc aluminate nanoparticles is critical for their use as catalyst supports. In this study, we experimentally show that doping with 0.5 mol % Y2O3 improves the stability of zinc aluminate nanoparticles. The dopant spontaneously segregates to the nanoparticle surfaces in a phenomenon correlated with excess energy reduction and the hindering of coarsening. Y3+ was selected based on atomistic simulations on a 4 nm zinc aluminate nanoparticle singularly doped with elements of different ionic radii: Sc3+, In3+, Y3+, and Nd3+. The segregation energies were generally proportional to ionic radii, with Y(3+ )showing the highest potential for surface segregation. Direct measurements of surface thermodynamics confirmed the decreasing trend in surface energy from 0.99 for undoped to 0.85 J/m(2) for Y-doped nanoparticles. Diffusion coefficients calculated from coarsening curves for undoped and doped compositions at 850 degrees C were 4.8 x 10(-12 )cm(2)/s and 2.5 x 10(-12) cm(2)/s, respectively, indicating the coarsening inhibition induced by Y3+ results from a combination of a reduced driving force (surface energy) and decreased atomic mobility. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 22/04150-6 - Study of nanoceramics for energy application: sintering and interface |
| Grantee: | Flavio Leandro de Souza |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International |