Synthesis of High-Surface-Area Alkaline Earth Metal Oxides

Synthesis of High-Surface-Area Alkaline Earth Metal Oxides 

Alkaline earth metal oxides are generally prepared by thermal decomposition of alkaline earth compounds, such as hydroxides, chlorides, sulfates, and carbonates. 

The most general methodology followed to prepare alkaline earth metal oxides as basic catalysts consists of the thermal decomposition of the corresponding hydroxides or carbonates in air or under vacuum. Decomposition of hydroxides is frequently used to prepare MgO and CaO, whereas BaO and SrO are prepared from the corresponding carbonates as precursor salts. Preparation of alkaline earth metal 

Influence of the Salt Used to Prepare Mg( OH) 2 Precursor on the Surface Area of the Resultant MgO (23) 

In the preparation of MgO from chloride salt precursors, it was observed that the presence of any residual chloride had a detrimental effect on the surface area of the resultant MgO 29). This effect has been related to the ability of chloride to aid sintering and grain growth in the oxide 30). 

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