Generation of metal nanoparticles on montmorillonite K 10 and their characterization

Ni0-mont K 10 (composite I) and Co0-mont K 10 (composite II) were synthesized in situ by polyol reduction of nickel acetate and cobalt acetate impregnated mont K 10 having a salt loading of 4.2 mmol g1- of support. TEM revealed that nanoparticles of metal in composite I are up to 26 nm in size whereas the maximum particle size of the metal in composite II is about 40 nm. XRD showed face centered cubic structure of both the metals in composites I and II. From the thermal studies, it was observed that, in air atmosphere, oxidation of Ni0 in composite I and Co0 in composite II occurred in the temperature ranges 500-650°C and 130-500°C, respectively, while under nitrogen atmosphere the metal nanoparticles of the composites are stable at least up to 700-800°C.