CeO2-Supported TiO2-Pt Nanorod Composites as Efficient Catalysts for CO Oxidation.

Supported Pt-based catalysts have been identified as highly selective catalysts for CO oxidation, but their potential for applications has been hampered by the high cost and scarcity of Pt metals as well as aggregation problems at relatively high temperatures. In this work, nanorod structured (TiO2-Pt)/CeO2 catalysts with the addition of 0.3 at% Pt and different atomic ratios of Ti were prepared through a combined dealloying and calcination method. XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, and STEM measurements were used to confirm the phase composition, surface morphology, and structure of synthesized samples. After calcination treatment, Pt nanoparticles were semi-inlayed on the surface of the CeO2 nanorod, and TiO2 was highly dispersed into the catalyst system, resulting in the formation of (TiO2-Pt)/CeO2 with high specific surface area and large pore volume. The unique structure can provide more reaction path and active sites for catalytic CO oxidation, thus contributing to the generation of catalysts with high catalytic activity. The outstanding catalytic performance is ascribed to the stable structure and proper TiO2 doping as well as the combined effect of Pt, TiO2, and CeO2. The research results are of importance for further development of high catalytic performance nanoporous catalytic materials.