Adsorption properties of alumina modified with nickel oxide nanoparticles and silver-nickel oxide bimetallic nanoparticles

The adsorption properties of gamma-Al2O3, both in the original form and as modified with NiO nanoparticles and [NiO+Ag] bimetallic nanoparticles, were studied using the dynamic sorption method. n-Alkanes (C-6-C-8), benzene, chloroform, diethyl ether, toluene, and ethylbenzene were used as test adsorbates. The adsorption isotherms were measured, and the isosteric heats of adsorption of the tested adsobates were calculated. The surface of the original gamma-Al2O3 was found to mostly have electron-accepting (acidic) properties, while the surface of alumina modified with NiO nanoparticles exhibits electron-donating (basic) properties. The adsorption isotherms of all adsorbates onto gamma-Al2O3 at all specified temperatures lie higher than onto the original gamma-Al2O3. Nanocomposite 5% NiO/gamma-Al2O3 exhibits the highest adsorption activity with respect to aromatic hydrocarbons.