The coupling synergy of active Pt species and oxygen vacancy induced by PtCu for enhanced performance towards the removal of NO and CO

Both the Pt electronic state and oxygen vacancy within supports play an important role in catalytic reactions. However, it remains a challenge for simultaneous achievement of modulating Pt electronic state as well as tuning oxygen vacancy content. In this work, we have prepared a series of PtCu-CeO2 catalysts with different Pt/Cu ratios. The electronic state of Pt is modulated by means of Pt-Cu alloy effect, while the oxygen vacancy content is tuned by the constructed PtCu-CeO2 interfaces. When the as-prepared PtCu-CeO2 catalysts are used for the reduction of NOx by CO, the one with Pt/Cu ratio of 1 (Pt1Cu1-CeO2) possesses twice higher NO conversion and superior N2 selectivity below 200℃than that of monometallic Pt-CeO2. The characterization results illustrate that Pt1Cu1-CeO2 catalyst exhibits a moderate strength for CO adsorption and a fast NO dissociation ability, resulting in the formation of N2 rather than N2O intermediate. This work is expected to open an alternative avenue for boosting the catalytic performances by simultaneous modulation of Pt electronic state and oxygen vacancy content.