Experimental and semiempirical quantum investigations of the effect of Cobalt addition on the dielectric properties of Nickle-Bentonite composite

This paper presents the preparation and characterization of pure and metallically supported bentonite with different percentages of Co (1 % wt.) and Ni (5 % wt.). The preparation used the wet impregnation process method. The resulting composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. These characterizations indicated the greater metallic Co/Ni dispersion and higher specific surface area for the resulting composite. Moreover, the metallic nanoparticles in 1 %Co -5 %Ni/Bentonite have an intermediate dimension between that of 0 %Co–5 %Ni/Bentonite and 1 %Co–0 %Ni/Bentonite composites. Such intermediacy in the nanostructure of 1 %Co–5 %Ni/Bentonite may be associated with its measured dielectric properties characterized by the least permittivity and loss factor as compared to 0 %Co–5 %Ni/Bentonite and 1 %Co–0 %Ni/Bentonite. Interestingly, our semiempirical quantum calculations revealed that 1 %Co–5 %Ni/Bentonite has intermediate electrochemical properties (hardness and electronegativity) relative to those for 0 %Co–5 %Ni/Bentonite and 1 %Co–0 %Ni/Bentonite, indicating the optimal reactivity of 1 %Co–5 %Ni/Bentonite. Our results are, thus, pertinent to catalysis and other applications pursuing optimal electrochemical properties of Ni/Bentonite.