Nanoscale metal oxide particles/clusters as chemical reagents. Unique surface chemistry on magnesium oxide as shown by enhanced adsorption of acid gases (sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide) and pressure dependence

Surface adsorptive properties of nanoscale MgO particles have been compared with more conventional samples. Morphologically the nanoparticles (autoclave prepared = AP-MgO) are unique and very different from the conventional samples (conventionally prepared = CP-MgO), and AP-MgO possesses more defects, edge and corner sites, higher surface area and more higher index surfaces. The number of residual surface −OH groups/nm2 is similar for both types of samples. Differences in adsorptivity of SO2 and CO2 at relatively low pressure (20 Torr) were determined by gravimetric means. Much larger quantities were adsorbed by AP-MgO. This process of chemisorption was dynamic, and oxygen scrambling occurred when SO2 and Mg18O nanoparticles were in contact. These results, complying with FTIR studies, are rationalized as due to higher intrinsic surface reactivity coupled with higher concentrations of lower coordination ions on the nanoparticle. Pressure studies showed, however, that as 100 Torr of SO2 or CO2 was reached, ...