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Modulated Structure-Electronic Coupling at Pt/CeOx-TiO2 Interfaces Boosts Low-Temperature Preferential CO Oxidation
Hyuk Choi1, Eunji Kang1, DongHwan Oh2
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|August 7, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel method using platinum single atoms on ceria-titania supports for selective carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation in hydrogen gas. The advanced catalyst efficiently purifies hydrogen at low temperatures without consuming hydrogen.
Area of Science:
- Catalysis
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Selective oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) is crucial for purifying hydrogen-rich syngas.
- Existing methods face challenges in selectively oxidizing low concentrations of CO without consuming valuable hydrogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly selective catalyst for the preferential oxidation (PROX) of CO in hydrogen-rich gas.
- To understand the catalytic mechanism at the atomic level for optimized performance.
Main Methods:
- Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to probe reaction mechanisms.
- In situ spectroscopic analyses to study catalyst behavior under reaction conditions.
- Utilizing platinum single atoms (Pt-SAs) stabilized on CeOx-TiO2 supports.
Main Results:
- Identified bifunctional Pt-O-Ti and Pt-O-Ce sites that promote selective CO oxidation.
- Demonstrated that hydrogen adsorption at Pt-O-Ti sites modulates Pt electronic states, enhancing CO oxidation.
- Achieved 100% CO selectivity to CO2 at below 100°C with high activity.
Conclusions:
- The unique electronic and structural properties of Pt single atoms on CeOx-TiO2 enable efficient and selective CO PROX.
- This approach offers a dynamic electronic modulation strategy for single-atom catalysts under reaction conditions.
- The developed catalyst system presents a significant advancement in industrial hydrogen purification.
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