2D feather-shaped alumina slice as efficient Pd catalyst support for oxidation reaction of the low-concentration methane

Abstract

Methane oxidation is a strong exothermal reaction, the heat released from which can be utilized and the greenhouse effect caused by emitted methane, particularly low-concentration methane (LCM), can be further relieved. Presently, one of the key problems is to develop an efficient catalyst material for promoting LCM oxidation. Here, we synthesized an alumina with 2D feather-like lamella structure (FLAO), which is suitable for industrial applications. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption techniques. The results show that as-synthesized alumina has feather-shaped morphology and 2D slices structures, which form loose framework. Pd nanoparticles were easy to be anchored and well-dispersed on the surface of alumina. The FLAO-supported Pd catalysts exhibited high activity and stability. For 360000 mL g−1 h−1 space velocity, the LCM conversion research above 90% at 400 °C, and only decrease 8.6% after 50 h reaction at 450 °C, suggesting that as-synthesized 2D alumina slice has potential application for highly efficient removal of low-concentration methane from ventilation air.