Sulfated Zirconia Thin Films

Sulfated zirconia (SZ) has been found to be catalytically active for the isomerization of n-butane at room temperature [1]. This discovery has led to numerous investigations into the catalyst; however, no consistent theories have been devised to satisfactorily explain its structure, acidity and reactivity [2]. In order to improve surface characterization, a model system consisting of a nanocrystalline SZ thin film supported on a silicon wafer has previously been developed [3, 4]. The films are prepared using an aqueous route via a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), in which the film thickness is accurately controlled by deposition time. SZ thin films have been synthesized as described in [3, 4]. Successful formation of a SZ thin film has been verified by using XPS, SEM and HRTEM techniques. References [1] M. Hino, K. Arata., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1979, 101, 6439-6441. [2] X. Song and A. Sayari, Catal. Rev. - Sci. Eng., 1996, 38, 329-412. [3] F.C. Jentoft, A. Fischer, G. Weinberg, U. Wild, R. Schlögl, Stud. Surf. Sci. Cat., 2000, 130, 209-214. [4] A. Fischer, Doctoral Thesis, Fritz Haber Institute, 2001