Boron nitride supported metal catalysts: influence of the metal and preparation method

In this study we report on the preparation and characterization of boron nitride supported noble metal catalysts with potential applications as catalysts for oxidation reactions. The deposition and the dispersion of the active phase were strongly influenced by the preparation process and in particular by the solvent used as the dispersing phase. Techniques such as BET, XRD and TEM were used to study the role played by the phase used as solvent (benzene, glyme, water, THF, diglyme, isopropanol, glycol) in particles size and dispersion of metals deposed on the BN support. Different palladium depositions under various conditions and different noble metal coatings under the same deposition condition are presented. The catalytic performances were tested in methane traces oxidation in excess oxygen and in the presence of water. The light-off temperature (50 % methane conversion) increased in the following order: Ag/BN < Pt/BN < Au/BN < Pd /BN.