Pt and Co3O4 supported on ceria and zirconia for the catalytic reduction of N2O in the presence of CO

Abstract

Ceria (CeO2) and zirconia (ZrO2) supported Pt and Co3O4-based nanocatalysts were synthesized and characterized by different instrumental techniques. The catalysts redox properties and active surface areas were evaluated using temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) and H2-pulse chemisorption, respectively. The catalysts were tested for the thermal oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO), reduction of nitrous oxide (N2O) and conversion of N2O/CO mixture (1:1 vol%) . In catalytic tests, Pt–Co3O4/CeO2 (10:10%) oxidized CO up to 100% at 25 °C and Co3O4/CeO2 (20%) reduced N2O up to 90% at 320 °C. Moreover, Pt–Co3O4/CeO2 (10:10%) converted N2O/CO mixture to N2/CO2 up to 90% at about 210 °C. The low-temperature catalytic activity of Pt–Co3O4/CeO2 (10:10%) for CO oxidation and N2O/CO mixture redox conversion were attributed to uniform particle size, metals and support proper combination and electron interaction.