Self-propagating synthesis of Pd-CeO2/Al2O3 automotive monolith catalysts

Abstract

Pd-CeO2 catalysts on a monolith support with a honeycomb structure have for the first time been prepared by surface self-propagating thermal synthesis (SSTS). Decomposition routes for the cerium precursors are deduced from TG-DTA data and from the mass spectra of decomposition intermediates. The Pd-CeO2/Al2O3 monoliths prepared by SSTS are more active in CO oxidation, total hydrocarbon oxidation, and nitrogen oxide reduction than the catalysts obtained by conventional impregnation. This is explained by the fact that the SSTS products have a larger specific surface area and their active component has a smaller particle size.