ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal

SANS study of formation of gels and foams from gelatin with metal salts

Abstract: Recently, we have prepared highly active carbon catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in hydrogen fuel cells. These materials are synthesized easily by mixing metal nitrates with gelatin. Heating to ~80 °C results in formation of a foam, which is then converted to carbon if heated to 800 °C under nitrogen gas. The formation of the foam is a fascinating process, particularly since the structure can be changed dramatically with different metals, or with simple changes of pH. Furthermore, combinations of metals, such as iron and magnesium, can be used to create foams with very small 'bubble' size. The gel structure of gelatin in water is well understood. Gelatin molecules form triple helical 'junctions', locking together the individual polymer strands. SANS will allow us to study how metals change the structure of the gelatin, and why this has such a dramatic effect on foaming.

Principal Investigator: Dr Zoe Schnepp
Experimenter: Mr Ashleigh Danks
Experimenter: Mr Dean Fletcher
Experimenter: Dr Martin Hollamby
Local Contact: Dr Sarah Rogers

DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB1520385

ISIS Experiment Number: RB1520385

Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation

The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher], [doi]

For Example:
Dr Zoe Schnepp et al; (2015): SANS study of formation of gels and foams from gelatin with metal salts, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB1520385

Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.