Effect of reduction treatment on structural properties of TiO2 supported Pt nanoparticles and their catalytic activity for formaldehyde oxidation

A series of highly active Pt/TiO 2 catalysts were prepared by impregnation and deposition precipitation methods with different reduction processes. Their catalytic activities were evaluated by catalytic decomposition of formaldehyde (HCHO) at room temperature. The effects of reduction treatment on structural properties and catalytic activity were studied. Reduced Pt/TiO 2 catalysts showed large differences in structural properties (such as particle size, oxidation state, surface content and electronic property of Pt nanoparticles, and surface oxygen) and catalytic activity for HCHO oxidation compared with the unreduced ones. Nearly 100% HCHO conversion was achieved on the former. Especially, sodium borohydride reduced Pt/TiO 2 catalysts even with 0.1% Pt loading showed nearly complete oxidation of HCHO. Well-dispersed and negatively charged metallic Pt nanoparticles, and rich chemisorbed oxygen are probably responsible for their high catalytic activities. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.