Dipole-Spin Synergy in PdO/YMn₂O₅ Enables Fast Ozone Decomposition from -45 to >45 °C at High Humidity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Humidity inhibits catalytic ozone decomposition due to water and ozone competitive adsorption.
• This limitation hinders ozone's application as an oxidant in environmental remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a synergistic strategy to overcome humidity's detrimental effects on ozone decomposition catalysts.
• To design and validate a novel heterojunction catalyst for efficient and durable ozone removal under humid conditions.

Main Methods:

• Designed a PdO/YMn2O5 heterojunction catalyst.
• Investigated catalyst performance under 90% relative humidity and wide temperature range (-45 to 45 °C).
• Employed X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS), and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.

Main Results:

• Achieved 100% ozone removal at 90% relative humidity and high space velocity (2,400,000 mL·g-1·h-1).
• Demonstrated superior durability and efficient ozone decomposition across a broad temperature range.
• XPS, EXAFS, and DFT revealed interfacial dipole formation and modulated Mn spin states.

Conclusions:

• The PdO/YMn2O5 catalyst overcomes water poisoning through dipole-spin synergy.
• Electron transfer creates electron-rich Mn sites that repel water and enhance ozone adsorption.
• This work establishes a new paradigm for designing humidity-resistant catalysts for environmental applications.