Preparation of copper on magnesia catalysts: An electron spin resonance study

When MgO powders are impregnated with copper ions dissolved in water, hydrolysis to Mg(OH) 2 takes place. Following decomposition of the latter, considerable loss of surface area occurs with incorporation of Cu 2+ ions in the bulk of MgO, as revealed by ESR spectra. Impregnation with Cu 2+ ions dissolved in organic solvents decreases the amount of Cu 2+ ions incorporated into the bulk of MgO. These observations lead to a method of preparation of high surface area MgO powders with Cu 2+ ions at their surface.