Preparation of Ce xZr 1− xO 2 ( x = 0.75, 0.62) solid solution and its application in Pd-only three-way catalysts

Abstract

Nanoparticles of Ce x Zr 1− x O 2 ( x = 0.75, 0.62) were prepared by the oxidation-coprecipitation method using H 2O 2 as an oxidant, and characterized by N 2 adsorption, XRD and H 2-TPR. Ce x Zr 1− x O 2 prepared had single fluorite cubic structure, good thermal stability and reduction property. With the increasing of Ce/Zr ratio, the surface area of Ce x Zr 1− x O 2 increased, but thermal stability of Ce x Zr 1− x O 2 decreased. The surface area of Ce 0.62Zr 0.38O 2 was 41.2 m 2/g after calcination in air at 900 °C for 6 h. TPR results showed the formation of solid solution promoted the reduction of CeO 2, and the reduction properties of Ce x Zr 1− x O 2 were enhanced by the cycle of TPR-reoxidation. The Pd-only three-way catalysts (TWC) were prepared by the impregnation method, in which Ce 0.75Zr 0.25O 2 was used as the active washcoat and Pd loading was 0.7 g/L. In the test of Air/Fuel, the conversion of C 3H 8 was close to 100% and NO was completely converted at λ < 1.025. The high conversion of C 3H 8 was induced by the steam reform and dissociation adsorption reaction of C 3H 8. Pd-only catalyst using Ce 0.75Zr 0.25O 2 as active washcoat showed high light off activity, the reaction temperatures ( T 50) of 50% conversion of CO, C 3H 8 and NO were 180, 200 and 205 °C, respectively. However, the conversions of C 3H 8 and NO showed oscillation with continuously increasing the reaction temperature. The presence of La 2O 3 in washcoat decreased the light off activity and suppressed the oscillation of C 3H 8 and NO conversion. After being aged at 900 °C for 4 h, the operation windows of catalysts shifted slightly to rich burn. The presence of La 2O 3 in active washcoat can enhance the thermal stability of catalyst significantly.