MgO powders: interplay between adsorbed species and localisation of basic sites

MgO powders have been prepared from different precursor compounds and calcined at temperatures in the range 873–1253 K. Sequences of basic strength of the powders have been obtained, in benzene, by the Hammett–Bertolacini method, as a function of the preparation conditions, ageing and reactivating treatments. All the samples have been submitted to XPS X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.determinations to assess their actual chemical state. Data relative to the binding energy of the C1s and O1s peak components are elaborated and cross-compared with the outcome of the acid–base characterisations also in the light of TPD temperature-programmed desorption.determinations. The factors affecting the surface reactivity and the localisation of the basic sites, at the different temperatures, are discussed. q1998 Elsevier Science B.V.