Evolution of porous structure on Al–Cu–Fe quasicrystalline alloy surface and its catalytic activities

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2020-09, Vol.834, p.155162, Article 155162
• Main Authors: Mishra, S.S., Yadav, T.P., Singh, S.P., Singh, A.K., Shaz, M.A., Mukhopadhyay, N.K., Srivastava, O.N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alloys; Al–Cu–Fe; Annealing; Biodegradability; Catalytic activity; Catalytic performance, Methylene blue; Chemical composition; Copper; Dealloying; Density; Electron microscopy; Iron; Lattice sites; Metal oxides; Methylene blue; Microscopy; Morphology; Nano-particles; Nanoparticles; Porosity; Quasicrystal; X ray analysis
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2020.155162

In present investigation, the selective removal of Al from the quasi-lattice sites of quasicrystalline alloy surface was examined in order to produce the nano-particles of metal/metal oxides within the micro-porous network. Al was selectively etched from both the as-cast as well as annealed Al63Cu25Fe12 quasicrystalline alloys through the treatment with 10 mol NaOH solution at different time interval. In the as-cast sample, higher density of porosity was observed compared to that of annealed alloy. However, dealloying specifically for 4 and 8 h yielded nano-size particles on quasicrystalline surface (of both the alloys) in which very fine particles were detected at 8 h. The increase in density and decrease in size of the nano-particles was found with dealloying duration. X-ray diffraction analysis was performed to characterize the samples. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were carried out to investigate the surface microstructure, internal morphology and chemical composition. The chemical dealloying treatments yielded nano-particles of Cu and Fe along with their oxides on the quasicrystalline surface. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of leached quasicrystalline materials was evaluated towards degradation of non-biodegradable and hazardous methylene blue (organic dye). •The Evolution of porous structure on poly-grain Al63Cu25Fe12 quasicrystalline alloy surface.•The chemical dealloying yielded nano-particles of Cu and Fe on the quasicrystalline surface.•Excellent catalytic activity of leached quasicrystals on the degradation of methylene blue.