Ammonia-regulated CuCo2O4 spinel oxide embedded in Y zeolite for methanol oxidation

Morphology-controlled synthesis with a tailor-made structure is a promising approach to enhance the catalytic properties of inexpensive spinel oxides as a viable alternative to noble metals. AB2O4 spinel oxides, particularly, have garnered significant attention in mitigating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions. The catalytic performance of these oxides can be improved through the modification of tetrahedrally coordinated A sites. In this study, we present a novel strategy for the preparation of CuCo2O4 spinel oxide nanoparticles embedded on Y zeolite. This involves the co-loading of Cu and Co oxides on Y zeolite, followed by successive treatment with NH3-reduction and re-oxidation. The resulting morphology-confined CuCo2O4 spinel oxides exhibit significantly higher catalytic activities and stabilities for the oxidation of CH3OH compared to their unrestrained counterparts. Our exploration into the in-situ formation of spinel oxides on Y zeolite, along with an investigation into their catalytic oxidation mechanism, lays the foundation for the rational design of non-noble metal oxide VOC catalysts.