Synergistic Catalysis of Methane Combustion Using Cu–Ce–O Hybrid Nanoparticles with High Activity and Operation Stability

Abstract

A new CuO–CeO 2 hybrid nanoparticle (CuCeO x -NP) with a tunable homogeneous chemical composition was successfully prepared for high-performance catalytic methane combustion. The substantial amounts of Cu–Ce–O interfaces were created for enhanced catalysis using gas-phase evaporation-induced self-assembly. The CuCeO x -NP exhibited an ultralow light-off temperature (320 °C), high activity, selectivity, and operation stability for catalytic methane combustion. The optimal reducibility and the corresponding catalytic activity of CuCeO x -NP were achieved when the molar fraction of Ce was 0.17. The operation stability increased as the concentration ratio of oxygen in the reactant gas and the corresponding oxidation rate of carbon species from the catalyst surface increased. This work demonstrates a facile route for controlled synthesis of CuCeO x -NP. The mechanistic understanding of synergistic catalysis developed in this study can be used to further enhance activity of methane combustion and reduce environmental pollution for alternative energy applications.