The Preparation and Catalytic Properties of Nanoporous Pt/CeO₂ Composites with Nanorod Framework Structures

Pt/CeO₂ catalysts with nanoporous structures were prepared by the facile dealloying of melt-spun Al_92-XCe₈Pt_X (X = 0.1; 0.3 and 0.5) ribbons followed by calcination. The phase compositions and structural parameters of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The specific surface area and pore size distribution were characterized by N₂ adsorption-desorption tests. The catalytic properties were evaluated by a three-way catalyst (TWC) measurement system. The results revealed that the dealloyed samples exhibited a nanorod framework structure. The Pt nanoparticles that formed in situ were supported and highly dispersed on the CeO₂ nanorod surface and had sizes in the range of 2-5 nm. For the catalyst prepared from the melt-spun Al_91.7Ce₈Pt_0.3 ribbons, the 50% CO conversion temperature (T₅₀) was 91 °C, and total CO could be converted when the temperature was increased to 113 °C. An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) test showed that the Pt_0.3/CeO₂ sample had a slightly richer oxygen vacancy; and a H₂ temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR) test demonstrated its superior adsorption ability for reduction gas and high content of active oxygen species. The experiments indicated that the catalytic performance could be retained without any attenuation after 130 h when water and CO₂ were present in the reaction gas. The favorable catalytic activities were attributed to the high specific areas and small pore and Pt particle sizes as well as the strong interactions between the CeO₂ and Pt nanoparticles. The Pt nanoparticles were embedded in the surface of the CeO₂ nanorods, inhibiting growth. Therefore, the catalytic stability and water resistance were excellent.