The role of the 'glow phenomenon' in the preparation of sulfated zirconia catalysts

During the calcination procedure that is necessary to obtain sulfated zirco nia catalysts from hydroxide precursors an exothermic reaction occurs in th e heat-up period which can lead to a rapid overheating ('glow') of the samp le bed; the batch size is identified as a critical parameter that influence s heat transfer and thus the extent of the temperature overshoot and the ca talytic activity of the product.