SYNTHESIS OF AG-DOPED GAMMA ALUMINA CATALST FROM KAOLINTE CLAY

This research explores the synthesis of silver (Ag)-doped gamma alumina (y-Al203) nanoparticle catalysts from Nigerian kaolinite clay, a rich and underutilized source of alumina. Gamma alumina is valued for its high surface area, porosity, and thermal stability, making it an ideal support for active metals in heterogeneous catalysis. Given Nigeria's lack of bauxite reserves, kaolinite clay presents a promising alternative for alumina production. The study details the extraction and beneficiation process of kaolin from ljero-Ekiti, the synthesis of gamma alumina via calcination. leaching, and precipitation, and the doping of silver nitrate onto the alumina structure using wet impregnation. The synthesized catalysts were characterized using FTIR. XRD, BET, and SEM, to analyze surface morphology, crystallinity, surface area, and elemental composition. Results confirm successful doping and the preservation of mesoporosity, with enhanced catalytic surface features. The work confirms the feasibility of using local kaolin as a source material and the efficiency of silver doping in improving catalytic activity. This study adds to sustainable material synthesis from local resources and supports the industrial application of cost-effective. high-performance catalysts in chemical processing. pollution control, and energy conversion.