Structural and morphological properties of Ce_1–xM_xO_y (M = Gd, La, Mg) supports for the catalysts of autothermal ethanol conversion

A complex of physicochemical methods (powder XRD analysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, electron spectroscopy of diffuse reflectance, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption) is used for the comparative study of structural and morphological properties of oxide supports Ce_1–xM_xO_y (M = Gd, La, Mg; x = 0-0.5; 1.5 ≤ y ≤ 2.0) for catalysts for the autothermal reforming of bioethanol to a hydrogen-bearing gas. It is shown that Ce_1–xM_xO_y samples synthesized by the method of ester polymer precursors are mesoporous materials being the homogenous substitutional solid solutions with the fluorite-type cubic structure. The structural and textural properties of the Ce_1–xM_xO_y materials are regulated by varying the type of the dopant cation (M = Gd, La, Mg), the molar ratio M/Ce (0, 0.1, 0.25, 1), and heat treatment conditions (temperature 300-800 °C; duration 4-24 h). The relationship between the synthesis parameters and the characteristics of the Ce_1–xM_xO_y materials is found.