Study of Pd supported on Y or Ln containing ZrO2 as catalyst for the oxidation of hydrocarbons

• The activity of the Pd/Y–ZrO2 was better than other catalyst for the conversion of hydrocarbons.
• The addition of La, Pr, Y to zirconium oxides results in an enhanced thermal stability of ZrO2.
• The crystalline phase of zirconia depends on the additives.

A series of (Y, Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd)-containing ZrO2 mixed oxides was prepared by hydrothermal method, and the HC elimination was studied on Pd supported catalysts searching for explanation of the effects of Y and rare earth doping on the activity of catalyst. Of the catalysts examined, the activity of the Pd/Y–ZrO2 was better than other catalyst for the conversion of hydrocarbons. The properties of catalyst were assessed by BET, XRD, HRTEM, TPR and XPS measurements; the addition of La, Pr, Y to zirconium oxides resulted in enhanced thermal stability and promoted the stability of greater amounts of tetragonal ZrO2.