Synthesis and Characterization of Nanosized Halogenated and Interhalogenated Metal Oxide Adducts

Nonpolar halogens (Cl2, Br2, and I2) and polar interhalogen molecules (ICl, IBr, and ICl3) have been adsorbed on the surface of three different nanosized metal oxides (NanoActive (NA) Al2O3 Plus, NA-TiO2, and NA-CeO2). The prepared halogen and interhalogen adducts have been characterized in detail by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV−vis, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS), and the results are discussed herein. The different metal oxides lead to varying strength of adsorption of the halogen/interhalogen in the prepared adducts. Adsorption was also tested on their macrocrystalline available counterparts but with no success. Nanosized metal oxide halogen adducts possess high surface reactivities due to their unique surface morphologies. These adducts can be used as halogenating agents in organic and inorganic synthesis, for disinfection and decontamination.