NANOCOMPOSITES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Utility Patent Application Serial No. 15/966,312, filed April 30, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/508,672 filed May 19, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present specification generally relates to preparation of nanocomposites and to catalytic systems including the nanocomposites and, more specifically, to synthesis of mixed metal-oxide diamondoid nanocomposites and catalytic systems containing the nanocomposites.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Catalyst materials may be produced from anionic clays such as layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Anionic clays are inverse charge analogs of the widely used aluminosilicate cationic clays in their structure and properties. The largest group of the LDH family of materials includes positively charged metal hydroxide layers having the composition [Μ ^Π ι_ _χ Μ ^ΠΙ _χ (ΟΗ) ₂ ] ^χ+ (M ⁿ = Mg, Ca, Co, Ni, Zn; M ^m = Al, Cr, Fe; 0.2 < x < 0.33). The positive charges on the hydroxide layers are balanced by anions between the layers. The anions give rise to the name anionic clays. One group of anionic clays includes materials having a general formula [Μ ^Π ι_ _χ Μ ^ΠΙ _χ (ΟΗ) ₂ ](Α ^η_ ) _χ/η ·ηιΗ ₂ θ (m = 0.33- 0.50), where A is an anion such as nitrate or halogen.

[0004] LDHs are environmentally benign and economically viable layered materials. Owing to their readily varied composition, well-dispersed substitutions, and layered morphology, these materials have found use in various applications. Thermal decomposition of LDHs results in mixed-metal oxides that are chemically basic. These mixed-metal oxides have potential for use as heterogeneous catalysts in various catalyzed reactions, including the water gas shift reaction and photocatalytic applications. In addition, these mixed-metal oxides may be suitable for capturing C0 ₂ from coal fired -Si- power plants that emit large amounts of C0 ₂ into environment. In one or more applications, mixed-metal oxide materials obtained from LDHs have been found to be suitable sorbents for capturing acidic C0 ₂ gas and to be capable of adsorbing toxic ions from industrial effluents and drinking water.

[0005] The synthesis of supported metal or metal-oxide catalysts is important to the field of industrial heterogeneous catalysts. High activity, high selectivity, and long catalyst life are desirable characteristics of any industrial catalyst.

SUMMARY

[0006] Ongoing needs exist for methods to synthesize active and selective catalysts that are also environmentally friendly. Accordingly, embodiments of this disclosure include methods for synthesizing nanocomposites including metal oxide particles obtained by decomposing LDHs. In particular, the synthesis methods may be conducted as a "one pot" synthesis, without a need for multiple washing steps. Nanocomposites prepared according to the methods may be incorporated into catalytic systems.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a method for preparing a layered metal nanocomposite includes mixing a magnesium salt and an aluminum salt to form a Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution. The Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution has a molar ratio of Mg:Al of between 0.5: 1 to 6: 1. Subsuquently, a diamondoid compound is added to the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution to form a reactant mixture. The diamondoid compound has at least one carboxylic acid moiety. The reactant mixture is heated at a reaction temperature for a reaction time to form a Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated layered double hydroxide. The Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated layered double hydroxide is thermally decomposed under a reducing atmosphere for a decomposition time at a decomposition temperature to form the layered metal nanocomposite.

[0008] Some embodiments include layered metal nanocomposites prepared according to the method of this disclosure. The layered metal nanocomposites include magnesium oxide (MgO) comprising 50 wt.% to 90 wt.% of the nanocomposite based on the total weight of the nanocomposite. The MgO may include particle sizes of from 10 nanometers (nm) to 20 nm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0009] FIG. 1 is a Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) pattern of a Mg/Al-adamantoate LDH according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an Infrared (IR) transmittance spectrum of a Mg/Al-adamantoate LDH according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a proton solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrum of a Mg/Al-adamantoate LDH according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a carbon- 13 ( ¹³ C) solid-state NMR spectrum of a Mg/Al-adamantoate LDH according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIGS. 5 A and 5B are Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs at different magnifications of an Mg/Al-adamantoate LDH prepared according to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a PXRD pattern of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al-adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is an IR spectrum of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al-adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a ¹³ C NMR of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al-adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [0017] FIG. 9 is a 27 Al NMR of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al-adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10A-10D are SEM micrographs of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al- adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 11A-11D are SEM micrographs of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al-adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 12A-12C are transition electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al-adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 12D is a high resolution transition electron microscopy (HRTEM) micrograph of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al-adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 13A-13C are TEM micrographs of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al-adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13D is a HRTEM micrograph of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al- adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 14 is an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al-adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 15A is an STEM micrograph of a nanocomposite formed from Mg/Al- adamantane intercalated LDH and decomposed at 450 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 15B is an elemental mapping of magnesium in the STEM micrograph of FIG. 15 A.

[0027] FIG. 15C is an elemental mapping of oxygen in the STEM micrograph of FIG. 15 A.

[0028] FIG. 15D is an elemental mapping of carbon in the STEM micrograph of FIG. 15 A.

[0029] FIG. 15E is an elemental mapping of aluminum in the STEM micrograph of FIG. 15 A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Abbreviations appearing in this disclosure are defined as follows: °C = Degrees Celsius; A = Angstroms; ACA = 1-adamantane carboxylic acid; AD = adamantane; cm = centimeter (10 ^~2 meter); EDX = Energy-Dispersive X-Ray; FWHM = full width at half maximum; h = hours; HRTEM = High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy; IR = Infrared; LDH = layered double hydroxide; μιη = micrometer (10 ^~6 meter); mL = milliliter (10 ^~3 liter); nm = nanometer (10 ^~9 meter); ppm = parts per million; PXRD = Powder X-Ray Diffraction; SEM = Scanning Electron Microscopy; TEM = Transmission Electron Microscopy; TGA = Thermogravimetric Analysis; TMO = Transition metal oxide; and wt.% = Weight percent.

[0031] The dispersion of active reduced-metal or metal-oxide particles on a stable support is a complex and labor-intensive process requiring consideration of multiple parameters such as synthesis conditions, properties of the support, and appropriate methods for dispersing or distributing active catalyst on the support. Among metal/metal oxide supported catalysts, Cu/ZnO/Al20 ₃ systems and metal/metal oxide (Pt, Pd, Rh and Au) systems supported on various supports (alumina, silica, and carbon) can catalyze industrial-scale reactions such as synthesis of methanol, water gas shift reaction, desulfurization of petrochemical streams, photochemical or electrochemical splitting of water, and photochemical or electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide into useful chemicals, for example.

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of adamantane- intercalated layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles with high aspect ratios and the methods of producing them. Specifically, the adamantane-intercalated LDH particles have aspect ratios greater than 100. The aspect ratio is defined by the width of the LDH particle divided by the thickness of the LDH particle. As used in this disclosure, the term "low aspect ratio" refers to an aspect ratio less than 10; a "medium aspect ratio" is an aspect ratio from 10 to 100; and a "high aspect ratio" is an aspect ratio greater than 100. Aspect ratios of individual LDH particles may be calculated from micrographs such as SEM images.

[0033] Methods for preparing diamondoid-intercalated LDH particles, specifically adamantane-intercalated LDH particles, are described in commonly assigned United States Application Publication Number 2017/0267623, published September 21, 2017, claiming the benefit of United States Provisional Application Serial Number 62/309,645, filed March 17, 2016, both incorporated by reference into this disclosure in their entirety. United States Application Publication Number 2017/0267623 describes methods for preparing diamondoid-intercalated mixed-metal LDH. These diamondoid-intercalated mixed-metal LDH were decomposed to nanocomposites under air. The presence of oxygen alters the decomposition process and the resulting nanocomposite is structurally and chemically different from a nanocomposite formed by decomposing a diamondoid- intercalated mixed-metal LDH in a reducing atmosphere. [0034] As used in this specification, the term "diamondoid" refers to variants of carbon cage molecules known as adamantane (CioHi ₆ ). The carbon cages include tri-, tetra-, penta, and polycyclic structures. In some embodiments, diamondoid includes adamantane, diamantane, triamantane and higher polymantanes. The diamondoid compounds may include a functional group such as carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, carboxylic ester, or amine. In some embodiments, the diamondoid compound is 1 -adamantane carboxylic acid.

[0035] The methods for preparing a layered metal nanocomposite include mixing a magnesium salt and an aluminum salt to form a Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution, in which the molar ratio of magnesium to aluminum is from 1 : 1 to 6: 1. A diamondoid compound is added to the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution to form a reactant mixture. The diamondoid compound has at least one carboxylic acid moiety. The reaction mixture then is thermally treated at a reaction temperature for a reaction time to form a diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH. The diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH is thermally treated in a reducing atmosphere for a decomposition time at a decomposition temperature. The thermal treatment in the reducing atmosphere decomposes the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH to form the layered metal nanocomposite.

[0036] In some embodiments, the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution is an aqueous solution. An aqueous solution can be any suitable fluid such as water or a solution containing both water and one or more organic or inorganic compounds dissolved in the water or otherwise completely miscible with the water.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the magnesium salt of the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution may include any magnesium compound containing Mg ²⁺ and a counter anion. Non-limiting examples of magnesium salts, therefore, include Mg(OH) ₂ , MgCl ₂ , MgBr ₂ , Mg(N0 ₃ ) ₂ , and MgS0 ₄ . In some embodiments, the magnesium salt may be Mg(OH) ₂ . MgO formed from the calcination of Mg(OH) ₂ is of particular interest for its activity as a solid base catalyst.

[0038] In some embodiments, the aluminum salt in the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution may include any aluminum compound containing Al ³⁺ and a counter anion. Non-limiting examples of aluminum salts include any soluble aluminum salt, such as Al(OH) ₃ , A1C1 ₃ , AlBr ₃ , A1I ₃ , A1 ₂ (S0 ₄ ) ₃ , A1(N0 ₃ ) ₃ , and A1P0 ₃ . A1 ₂ 0 ₃ formed from the calcination of Al(OH) ₃ is of particular interest for its activity as a solid base catalyst.

[0039] In the reactant mixture, the diamondoid compound has at least one carboxylic acid moiety. In some embodiments, the diamondoid compound may be chosen from carboxylic acids of adamantane, diamantane, or triamantane. In some embodiments, the diamondoid compound may be 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid (ACA).

[0040] In some embodiments of methods for preparing a layered metal nanocomposite, the reaction mixture may be prepared by mixing a magnesium salt such as, for example, Mg(OH) ₂ , and the aluminum salt such as Al(OH) ₃ in amounts that provide a molar ratio of Mg ²⁺ to Al ³⁺ in the reaction mixture of from 0.5: 1 to 6: 1. For example, the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution may have a Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ molar ratio of 1 : 1, 2: 1, 3: 1, 4: 1, 5: 1, or 6: 1. The Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution may have a total solids content of less than 15 wt. % based on a total weight of the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution. The total solids content may include any solid compound added to the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution. Specific examples of solid compounds added to the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution that are counted as part of the total solids content include, but are not limited to, the magnesium salt, the aluminum salt, and the diamondoid compound. In some embodiments, the total solids content is limited to include the magnesium salt, aluminum salt, and the diamondoid compound. In some embodiments, the total solid content of the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution is from 0.1 wt. to 15 wt.%, 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%, or is less than 5 wt.%.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the methods for preparing a layered metal nanocomposite may include adding an amount of diamondoid compound to the Mg ⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution to form a reaction mixture having an Al to diamondoid compound molar ratio of from 0.5: 1 to 2: 1. In some embodiments, the Al to diamondoid compound molar ratio in the reaction mixture may be from 0.8: 1.0 to 1.2: 1.0. For example, the molar ratio of Al to the diamondoid compound may be 1 : 1.

[0042] The specific molar ratio of Mg ²⁺ to Al ³⁺ and Al ³⁺ to diamondoid compound in the reaction mixture may be chosen to tailor overall crystal morphology of the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH. Without intent to be bound by theory, it is believed that the crystal morphology of the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH may be tailored by increasing or decreasing the ratio of Al ³⁺ to ACA in the reaction mixture. Though in some embodiments the ratio of Al ³⁺ to diamondoid compound may be selected from 0.5: 1 to 1.0: 1, it should be understood that the crystal morphology of the diamondoid- intercalated Mg/Al LDH may be further tailored by decreasing the ratio of Mg ²⁺ to diamondoid compound to less than 0.5: 1 or by increasing the ratio of Mg ²⁺ to diamondoid compound to greater than 1.0: 1. Even so, a point of magnesium saturation is believed to exist, such that at a ratio of Mg ²⁺ to diamondoid compound greater than the saturation point of additional magnesium ions cannot be incorporated into the diamondoid- intercalated Mg/Al LDH.

[0043] The reaction temperature is chosen to provide sufficient thermodynamic energy for the reaction of the magnesium salt and the diamondoid compound to proceed within the reaction vessel and also to enable crystallization of the Mg/Al-diamondoid-intercalated LDH. The reaction temperature should be sufficiently high to enable the reaction to progress but also be sufficiently low to avoid decomposition of the Mg/Al-diamondoid- intercalated LDH or solvation of crystallites. In some embodiments, the reaction temperature may be from 100 °C to 200 °C, such as 100 °C, 110 °C, 120 °C, 130 °C, 140 °C, 150 °C, 160 °C, 170 °C, 180 °C, 190 °C, 200 °C, or any other temperature between 100 °C and 200 °C. Though in some embodiments the reaction temperature may be from 100 °C to 200 °C, the reaction temperature could be less than 100 °C or greater than 200 °C. In other embodiments, the reaction temperature may be from 100 °C to 150 °C or from 110 °C to 150 °C. In one example, where magnesium salt is Mg(OH) ₂ , the reaction temperature may be 150 °C ± 10 °C.

[0044] The reaction time is chosen to provide sufficient time for crystal growth and for development of well-defined morphologies as the Mg/Al-diamondoid-intercalated LDH is formed at the reaction temperature. In some embodiments, the reaction time may be longer than 12 h, such as from 12 h to 72 h, from 24 h to 72 h, from 12 h to 48 h, or from 24 h to 48 h, for example. Though in some embodiments the reaction time may be longer than 12 h, it is contemplated that reaction times shorter than 12 h may suffice, particularly when reaction temperatures greater than 150 °C are chosen.

[0045] Complete decomposition of the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH may include conversion of magnesium-hydroxide and aluminum-hydroxide functionalities to magnesium oxide and aluminum particles. Suitable decomposition temperatures may be greater than 200 °C, greater than 300 °C, greater than 400 °C, or greater than 500 °C, for example. The decomposition time may be chosen as any time sufficient to result in complete decomposition of the Mg/Al-diamondoid-intercalated LDH at the chosen decomposition temperature. For example, the decomposition time may be longer than 1 hour, such as 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, or longer than 5 hours. In example embodiments, Mg/Al-diamondoid-intercalated LDHs formed from Mg(OH)2, Al ₂ (OH) ₃ , and ACA may decompose fully at a decomposition temperature of about 450 °C and a decomposition time of at least 4 hours.

[0046] Nanocomposites formed by thermally decomposing the Mg/Al-diamondoid- intercalated LDH may exhibit a variety of crystal morphologies. The crystal morphologies may depend on variables, such as the ratio of Mg ²⁺ to Al ³⁺ and the ratio of Al ³⁺ to diamondoid compound in the reaction mixture, the reaction time and temperature used to form the Mg/Al-diamondoid-intercalated LDH, and the decomposition conditions used to form the nanocomposite itself.

[0047] In some embodiments, the methods for preparing the layer metal nanocomposites include thermally decomposing Mg/Al-diamondoid-intercalated LDHs prepared by reacting Mg(OH) ₂ , Al(OH) ₃ , and ACA. In other embodiments, the method for preparing layer metal nanocomposites includes thermally decomposing Mg/Al- diamondoid-intercalated LDHs.

[0048] Nanocomposites formed from such Mg/Al-diamondoid-intercalated LDHs may include magnesium oxide particles (MgO) of a particular shape or morphology dispersed on a carbon support of a particular shape or morphology. The metal-oxide particle may be spherical, rectangular, ribbon-like, or in the form of nanowires, nanorods, or nanowhiskers, for example. The magnesium oxide particles may have particle sizes from 10 nm to 20 nm, for example. Likewise, the carbon support may exhibit a morphology such as a sheet, a nanorod, a nanowire, or a nanowhisker.

[0049] The term "nanorod" means a nanoobject with two dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nm and the third dimension (length) being slightly greater. The term "nanowire" means a conducting anisotropic quasi-one-dimensional structure in which two external dimensions (such as width and thickness) are much smaller than the third dimension (length) are in the nanoscale. The term "nanowhisker" means a type of filamentary crystal (whisker) with cross sectional diameter ranging from 1 to 100 nm and length to diameter ratio greater than 100.

[0050] Without intent to be bound by theory, it is believed that upon thermal decomposition of LDHs, interlayer anions escape as volatile gases and further heating results in the collapse of the layered structure. The collapse of the layered structure leads to the formation of mixed metal oxides that are agglomerated (larger particle size). In the preparation of nanocomposites according to embodiments, the interlayer anions do not decompose, but rather polymerize to yield rod shaped adamantane molecules. This enables the formation of layer by layer assemblies of metal oxides and carbon nanocomposites from the molecular level. Thus, preparation methods according to one or more embodiments not only prevent particle agglomeration, but also provide the support for the metal oxides.

[0051] The thermal decomposition of LDHs may progress through three observable steps: (a) from room temperature to 100 °C, adsorbed or physisorbed water is removed; (b) in the temperature range of 100-220 °C intercalated water is removed; (c) at 220-400 °C, intercalated anions are removed and the mineral layers are dehydroxylated, leading to the formation of an amorphous mixed-metal oxide residue. Generally, intercalated anions completely decompose and escape as volatile gases before the temperature reaches 450 °C. Once the LDH is decomposed and water and intercalated anions are removed, an amorphous residue of metal oxide is left behind. In some embodiments, the decomposition temperature is from 220 °C to 450 °C. In other embodiments the decomposition temperature is from 300 °C to 450 °C. In some embodiments, thermally decomposing the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH includes heating the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH to the decomposition temperature at a rate of 5 °C per minute.

[0052] The various embodiments described in this disclosure control decomposition of the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH. In addition to the decomposition temperature and decomposition time, the atmospheric conditions control the decomposition of the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH. When oxygen is not present during decomposition, the nanocomposite resulting from the decomposition is altered from that of a nanocomposite decomposed in air. In one or more embodiments, the methods for preparing the layer metal nanocomposites include thermally treating the diamondoid- intercalated Mg/Al LDH the under a reducing atmosphere at a decomposition temperature for a decomposition time to form the layered metal nanocomposite.

[0053] In some embodiments, the thermal decomposition of the diamondoid- intercalated Mg/Al occurs under a reducing atmosphere. The reducing atmosphere for the thermal decomposition of the Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated LDH prevents oxidation through a decrease in the amount of oxygen or other oxidizing gases or vapors in the vicinity of the reaction. The reducing atmosphere may contain actively reducing gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or gases such as hydrogen sulfide that would be oxidized by any oxygen present. In some embodiments, the reducing atmosphere includes hydrogen gas (¾).

[0054] In some embodiments, the decomposition of the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH results in formation of a nanocomposite, in which magnesium oxide particles may be uniformly dispersed over a surface of a carbon support. The carbon support may be derived from the adamantane moieties of the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH. The weight ratios of MgO particles to carbon in the nanocomposite may vary, depending on the conditions by which the nanocomposite was prepared. In some embodiments, the nanocomposite may include from 50 wt.% to 90 wt.% MgO particles and from 10 wt.% to 50 wt.% adamantane-derived carbon, based on the total weight of the nanocomposite. For example, the nanocomposite may include from 70 wt.% to 80 wt.% MgO particles and from 20 wt.% to 30 wt. adamantane-derived carbon, based on the total weight of the nanocomposite.

[0055] Further embodiments of this specification are directed to catalyst systems. The catalyst systems may include (a) a diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH prepared according to any embodiment previously described; (b) a nanocomposite such as magnesium oxide particles supported on carbon prepared according to any embodiment previously described, such as by thermal decomposition of a diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH; or (c) any catalytically active mixture of (a) and (b). The catalyst system may be used in olefin synthesis, transalkylation and dealkylation, photo or electocatalytic water splitting.

[0056] Accordingly, further embodiments of this specification are directed to methods for catalyzing a chemical reaction of at least one first reactant with at least one second reactant. Such methods may include reacting the at least one first reactant and the at least one second reactant in the presence of a catalyst system described previously. The at least one first reactant and the at least one second reactant may be any chemical compounds, the chemical reaction of which is catalytically facilitated, such as by being made thermodynamically possible or more favorable or being kinetically influenced, by the presence of the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH or the MgO nanocomposite separately or in combination.

EXAMPLES

[0057] The embodiments described in this specification will be further clarified by the following Examples. It should be understood that the following Examples are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or its claims to any particular embodiment.

EXAMPLE 1

Preparation of Diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al Layered Double Hydroxides

[0058] Method Ai: Mg/Al molar ratio of 2:1 To prepare an diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al layered double hydroxide material according to an embodiment previously described, a 5% wt/wt solution of Mg(OH) ₂ was prepared by dissolving 5 grams (g) of Mg(OH)2 in 95 g of de-ionized water. To the resultant solution, 3.36 g of Al(OH) ₃ was added in an amount sufficient to provide a Mg/Al molar ratio of 2:1. Then, 9.31 g of adamantane carboxylic acid was added to the solution in an amount sufficient to provide an Al/adamantane molar ratio of 1: 1 in the resultant reaction mixture. The pH of the reaction mixture was measured and was found to be 9.5.

[0059] The reaction mixture then was stirred vigorously for 1 hour at room temperature. The stirred reaction mixture was transferred to a Teflon-lined autoclave and was heated at 150 °C for 24 hours (h) to form a the diamondoid-intercalated Al/Mg LDH as a precipitant. The diamondoid-intercalated Al/Mg LDH was separated from the reaction mixture via gravity filtration. The pH of the filtrate was measure and was found to be 8.6. The precipitant was washed thoroughly with water until the filtrate had a pH of about 7. The precipitant was dried at 65 °C.

[0060] Method A ₂ : Mg/Al molar ratio of 5:1 To prepare an diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al layered double hydroxide material according to an embodiment previously described, a 5% wt/wt solution of Mg(OH) ₂ was prepared by dissolving 5 grams (g) of Mg(OH) ₂ in 95 g of de-ionized water. To the resultant solution, 1.34 g of Al(OH) ₃ was added in an amount sufficient to provide a Mg/Al molar ratio of 5:1. Then, 2.34 g of adamantane carboxylic acid, the diamondoid compound, was added to the solution in an amount sufficient to provide an Al/adamantane molar ratio of 1 : 1 in the resultant reaction mixture. The pH of the reaction mixture was measured and was found to be 9.5.

[0061] The reaction mixture then was stirred vigorously for 1 hour at room temperature. The stirred reaction mixture was transferred to a Teflon-lined autoclave and was heated at 150 °C for 24 hours to form a the diamondoid-intercalated Al/Mg LDH as a precipitant. The diamondoid-intercalated Al/Mg LDH was separated from the reaction mixture via gravity filtration. The pH of the filtrate was measure and was found to be 8.6. The precipitant was washed thoroughly with water until the filtrate had a pH of about 7. The precipitant was dried at 65 °C. [0062] The diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH resulting from the 2: 1 molar ratio of Mg to Al (Method A ) was characterized by IR spectroscopy, PXRD, EDX, proton and carbon solid state NMR.

[0063] The PXRD pattern of the as synthesized diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH is given in FIG. 1, and shows the basal reflection (001) at 20.84 A corresponds to a bilayer arrangement of adamantane ions in the interlay er. The submultiples of (001) are seen at higher 2Θ values. Intercalation of adamantoic acid was further characterized with IR spectra (FIG. 2). The vibrations at 1517 cm ^-1 and 1395 cm ^-1 correspond to antisymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of the COO- group. The vibrations at 2901 cm ^-1 and 2847 cm ^-1 are for the C-H vibrations. The 4302 cm ^-1 vibration arises from hydrogen bonding of diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH hydroxide groups with intercalated water molecules in the interlayer.

[0064] In FIG. 3, the ^l H spectrum of diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH showed four sharp signals at lower parts per million (ppm) values owing to the hydrogen atoms present in the adamantane ring. The peak at 3.8 ppm and 4.8 ppm are the result of hydrogen atoms of the intercalated water and metal hydroxide respectively. In FIG. 4, the ¹³ C NMR spectra of diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH showed four signals at 29.5 ppm, 37.3 ppm, 40.6 ppm and 42.8 ppm indicate that there are four different carbon environments present in the adamantane molecule. The signal at 186.98 ppm arises from the carbon of the carbonyl carbon of the carboxylate group in the adamantane molecule. FIGS. 5A-5B are SEM micrographs of Mg/Al-adamantoate LDH, and depict the structural shape of the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH. For example, SEM micrographs show the layered particles have large surface area, but lacked thickness, thereby resulting in a high aspect ratio.

EXAMPLE 2

Preparation of Mixed-Metal Oxide Nanocomposite

[0065] Mixed-metal oxides were prepared by thermally decomposing the diamondoid- intercalated Mg/Al LDH having a Mg/Al molar ratio of 1 : 1 (Method Ai) of Example 1 at 450 °C for four hours under a reducing atmosphere of hydrogen gas. Upon thermal decomposition, LDHs yield mixed-metal oxides. The diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH, yielded MgO and MgAl ₂ 0 ₄ oxides.

[0066] The mixed-metal oxide nanocomposite resulting from the diamondoid- intercalated Mg/Al LDH resulting from the 2: 1 molar ratio of Mg to Al (Method A was characterized by IR spectroscopy, PXRD, EDX, proton, carbon, and aluminum solid state NMR, SEM, TEM, and HRTEM.

[0067] The layered metal nanocomposite was analyzed by PXRD (FIG. 6). The resultant nanocomposite exhibited a series of basal reflections at 2Θ angles and the corresponding to -spaces, 6.61° (13.36 A) 7.98° (11.07 A), 9.23° (9.57 A), 11.49° (7.7 A), 14.0° (6.32 A), 14.77° (6.0 A), 16.02° (5.52 A), 17.09° (5.18 A), 18.04° (4.91 A), 42.71° (2.11 A), and 62.2° (1.29 A). The reflections at 42.71° and 62.2° are typical of mixed-metal oxides obtained by thermal decomposition of LDHs and are assigned to the MgO phase of the oxide residue. The multiple reflections at lower 2Θ values, specifically 6.61°, 7.98°, 9.23° and 11.49°, are unusual for mixed metal oxides of LDHs and in this case appear in the PXRD pattern as the result of the diamondoid compound in the resultant nanocomposite.

[0068] The nanocomposite was further characterized by IR spectroscopy, as shown in FIG. 7. The IR spectrum in FIG. 7 showed the symmetric and antisymmetric stretching vibrations of the COO- group at 1547 and 1417 cm ^"1 . The IR spectrum showed the vibrations of the C-H groups at 2904 and 2845 cm ^"1 . These vibration signals indicated the residual presence of adamantane ion in the layered metal nanocomposite after decomposition. The vibration at 1217 cm ¹ was due to the C-0 stretch of the adamantane ion. IR spectrum showed a weak broad vibration centered around 3434 cm ^"1 due to O-H stretching of the hydroxyl ions.

[0069] Solid state NMR spectroscopy was used to gain the further structural information of the resultant layered metal nanocomposite. In FIG. 8, the ¹³ C NMR spectrum of the nanocomposite showed signals at 29.5, 37.3, 40.9, 42.3 ppm. These signals corresponded to the four unique carbon environments present in the adamantane ring. The signals in FIG. 8 are similar to the one observed in the Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated LDH (FIG. 4), thus indicating that adamantane is present after decomposition. The signal at 186 ppm indicated the presence of the carbon of the carbonyl in carboxylate ion; this signal was similar to the Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated LDH. However, a split was noticeable in all the signals including the one at 186 ppm. The splits, or overlapping signals, indicated the formation of the second type of adamantane ion, which was closely related to the parent adamantane ion. In addition to these signals, the resulting nanocomposite showed a carbon which resonates at 39.01 ppm. This signal did not appear in the ¹³ C NMR of the diamondoid-intercalated Mg/Al LDH (See FIG. 4). This signal could indicate the formation of new sp carbon which acts as the link between individual adamantane molecules.

[0070] A solid state Al NMR was performed to determine the chemical environment of

27

the aluminum in the nanocomposite. In FIG. 9, the Al NMR spectrum of the layered metal nanocomposite showed two intense signals at 8.7 and 69.2 ppm, which indicated that the Al ³⁺ could be in either an octahedral environment or tetrahedral environment. The approximate ratio of Al ³⁺ present in octahedral sites to Al ³⁺ present in tetrahedral site was about 3: 1 determined by signal integration based on the intensity of the signal in the NMR. In addition, the small hump at 36 ppm indicated the presence of small amount of Al ³⁺ in five coordinated geometry as well.

[0071] The surface morphology of the resultant nanocomposite was evaluated by SEM. The micrographs of FIGS. 10A-10D showed the formation of the layered metal nanocomposite resulting from the decomposition of Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated LDH. The images that are platelets are mixed metal oxides and the fibrous or rod shaped object are diamondoid sheets. The formation of the micron sized diamondoid sheets and submicron sized mixed metal oxides are much clearer in SEM of nanocomposite in FIG. 11A-D. The layer-interlayer or layer by layer nature of the as-prepared LDHs and its topotactic transformation into nanocomposite can be explained on the basis of SEM images (FIGS. 10A-11D). Generally, LDHs upon thermal decomposition lose intercalated water and anions and hydroxyls ions in step wise manner; as a result, the layered structure of the LDHs would collapse to form mixed metal oxides. However, the controlled decomposition under reduced atmosphere of Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated LDH led to the fusion of individual adamantane ions to grow as higher/longer diamondoids in the interlay er galleries as evidence by the rod or fibers shown in the SEM micrographs. Additionally, during decomposition, the metal hydroxides in the layers have lost their hydroxyl ions resulting in the formation of metal oxides or the hydroxyl ions have been converted into the metal oxides. Due to the layer-interlayer nature of the LDHs, the resulting metal oxides in the layer are deposited on the higher/longer diamondoids formed in the interlayer leading to the formation of layer-by-layer assembly of nanocomposite at the molecular level.

[0072] HRTEM and TEM were used to understand the layer by layer assembly of resultant nanocomposite. FIGS. 12A-13D show the several bright field images. FIGS. 13A-13C are TEM images of the nanocomposite, and FIG. 13D is an HRTEM image of the nanocomposite. The diamondoids are tubular/fibrous in nature, having length of several micron and diameter of around 2-5 nm. The long chain diamondoids are uniformly anchored within the mixed metal oxides having uniform size of around 10 nm. In addition to the formation of the nanocomposite, the various embodiments of the methods for preparing layered metal nanocomposites described a method of controlling the size of the mixed metal oxide nanoparticles in the composite.

[0073] The elemental analysis of the resulting layered metal nanocomposite was carried out using EDX analysis by making use of the same sample grid which was used for the HRTEM analysis. The results of the elemental analysis are shown in the FIG. 14. The approximate quantities of different elements in the nanocomposites were arrived at by using the intensity of the individual element peaks in the EDX spectra. The ratio of mixed metal oxide to carbon was found to be around 4. The atomic distribution in the layered metal nanocomposite was characterized using STEM technique (FIG. 15A-15D). Mg, O and C have uniform atomic distribution across the sample. The Al appeared in patches or was segregated in pockets as expected for the mixed metal oxides of LDHs.

[0074] It should not be understood the various aspects of the methods for preparing a layered metal nanocomposite, a layered metal nanocomposite prepared according to the same, and a catalyst system comprising the layered metal nanocomposite prepared according to the same are described and such aspects may be utilized in conjunction with various other aspects.

[0075] In a first aspect, the disclosure provides a method for preparing a layered metal nanocomposite. The method comprises mixing a magnesium salt and an aluminum salt to form a Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution, in which the Mg/Al has a molar ratio of between 0.5: 1 to 6: 1. Further, the method includes adding a diamondoid compound to the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution to form a reactant mixture, in which the diamondoid compound has at least one carboxylic acid moiety and heating the reactant mixture at a reaction temperature for a reaction time to form a Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated layered double hydroxide. Finally, the method includes thermally decomposing the Mg/Al- diamondoid intercalated layered double hydroxide under a reducing atmosphere for a decomposition time at a decomposition temperature to form the layered metal nanocomposite.

[0076] In a second aspect, the disclosure provides the method of the first aspect, in which the aluminum salt and the diamondoid compound are mixed in amounts that provide a ratio of Al ³⁺ to diamondoid compound in the reactant mixture of from 0.5: 1 to 2: 1.

[0077] In a third aspect, the disclosure provides the method of the first or second aspects, in which the magnesium salt is Mg(OH)2.

[0078] In a fourth aspect, the disclosure provides the method of any of the first through third aspects, in which the aluminum salt is Al(OH) ₃ .

[0079] In a fifth aspect, the disclosure provides the method of any of the first through fourth aspects, in which the diamondoid compound is 1-adamantane carboxylic acid.

[0080] In a sixth aspect, the disclosure provides the method of any of the first through fifth aspects, in which the Mg ²⁺ /Al ³⁺ solution is an aqueous solution. [0081] In a seventh aspect, the disclosure provides the method of any of the first through sixth aspects, in which the reaction temperature is from 100 °C to 180 °C.

[0082] In an eighth aspect, the disclosure provides the method of any of the first through seventh aspects, in which the reaction temperature is from 140 °C to 160 °C.

[0083] In a ninth aspect, the disclosure provides the method of any of the first through eighth aspects, in which the decomposition temperature is from 220 °C to 450 °C.

[0084] In a tenth aspect, the disclosure provides the method of any of the first through ninth aspects, in which the decomposition temperature is from 300 °C to 450 °C.

[0085] In an eleventh aspect, the disclosure provides the method of any of the first through tenth aspects, in which the decomposition time is at least 4 hours.

[0086] In a twelfth aspect, the disclosure provides the method of any of the first through eleventh aspects, in which the reducing atmosphere comprises hydrogen gas.

[0087] In a thirteenth aspect, the disclosure provides the method of any of the first through twelfth aspects, in which the layered metal nanocomposite comprises a layered morphology of a plurality of octahedral and tetrahedral environments.

[0088] In a fourteenth aspect, the disclosure provides a layered metal nanocomposite prepared according to the method of any of first through thirteenth aspects.

[0089] In a fifteenth aspect, the disclosure provides a catalyst system comprising the layered metal nanocomposite of the fourteenth aspect.

[0090] In a sixteenth aspect, the disclosure provides the catalyst system of the fifteenth aspect, in which the layered metal nanocomposite comprises a Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) pattern having multiple reflections at lower than 42.71 (2.11 A) and 62.2° 2Θ (1.49 A). [0091] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described in this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various embodiments described in this specification provided such modification and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.