Surface active holmia/gamma-alumina nanocatalyst: Preparation and characterization

Holmia-supported alumina nanocatalyst was prepared by impregnation of-alumina with an aqueous solution
of holmium acetate hydrate Ho(CH3COO)3.3.5 H2O. The physicochemical characteristics of the nanocatalyst calcined at
600◦Cwereestablishedbydifferenttechniques,using surface adsorption–desorptionofN2 (SBET), thermogravimetric analysis
(TGA),X-ray diffraction(XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis
diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The recorded optical reflectance of the sample showed that the new self-assembled
nanocatalyst is excellent as a host material for advanced optical applications. Moreover, the catalyst showed enhanced catalytic
activity toward Isopropyl alcohol decomposition.