CuO–CeO2 binary oxide nanoplates: Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance for benzene oxidation

This work reports the first synthesis of CuO–CeO2 binary oxides with a plate-like morphology by a solvothermal method. The as-prepared CuO–CeO2 nanoplates calcined at 400 °C were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrum, and tested for catalytic oxidation of dilute benzene in air. Various structural characterizations showed that large amounts of copper species were exposed on the CuO–CeO2 nanoplate surface. The effect of the synthesis conditions on the structure of the product, as well as the growth process of the nanoplates, has been studied and discussed. The CuO–CeO2 nanoplates exhibited an excellent catalytic activity for benzene oxidation despite its relatively low surface area and could catalyze the complete oxidation of benzene at a temperature as low as 240 °C.