A Rational Design for Enhanced Catalytic Activity and Durability: Strongly Coupled N-Doped CrOx/Ce0.2Zr0.8O2 Nanoparticle Composites

Abstract

As a classic catalyst for NO oxidation, CrOx/Ce0.2Zr0.8O2 has been widely researched to improve its intrinsic catalytic activity and stability under complex flue gas environments. Some strategies, such as nanosize reduction, composite catalysts, and transition metal or rare earth ion doping, have been reported to enhance the catalytic properties. However, the commercialization of CrOx/Ce0.2Zr0.8O2 is greatly hindered by its poor stability under complex flue gas environments. Herein, we reveal a new route to fabricate N-doped CrOx/Ce0.2Zr0.8O2 nanoparticles, which exhibit not only higher NO conversion but also H2O and SO2 tolerance. The morphology and structure were analyzed via X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, et al., investigating the enhancement of N doping. Additionally, the formation of the Ce–O–N–Zr chemical bond and the possible catalytic mechanism were examined by in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, which provided insight into both the fabricatio...