Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
09:02
Synthesis of Platinum-nickel Nanowires and Optimization for Oxygen Reduction Performance
Published on: April 27, 2018
8.2K
Activating low-temperature diesel oxidation by single-atom Pt on TiO2 nanowire array.
Son Hoang1, Yanbing Guo1,2, Andrew J Binder3
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering & Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269-3136, USA.
Nature Communications
|February 28, 2020
Summary
We developed a durable single-atom platinum catalyst on titania nanowires for efficient low-temperature oxidation of CO and hydrocarbons, using significantly less precious metal. This catalyst shows sustained performance under harsh conditions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Single-atom catalysts (SACs) offer high reactivity but struggle with durability and practicality.
- Developing robust SACs for low-temperature applications is crucial for energy efficiency and pollution control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a highly stable and active single-atom platinum (Pt) catalyst on a novel titania support.
- To evaluate the catalyst's performance in oxidizing carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons under simulated diesel exhaust conditions.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a mesoporous rutile titania nanowire forest on cordierite honeycomb supports.
- Anchoring single Pt atoms onto Ti vacancy sites within the titania nanowires.
- Testing catalytic activity and durability under hydrothermal aging and sulfation.
Main Results:
- Achieved 90% conversion of CO and hydrocarbons at ~160 °C, significantly lower than conventional catalysts.
- Demonstrated exceptional low-temperature activity and stability against hydrothermal and sulfation degradation.
- Utilized 5 times less platinum-group metals compared to a commercial oxidation catalyst.
Conclusions:
- The robustly anchored single Pt atoms on titania nanowires provide a highly active and durable low-temperature oxidation catalyst.
- This approach offers a practical and cost-effective solution for treating diesel exhaust emissions.
- The catalyst's stability is attributed to the strong interaction between isolated Pt ions and Ti vacancy sites.
