Carbon black and propylene oxidation over Ru/CexZr1−xO2 catalysts

The effect of addition of ruthenium to different CexZr1−xO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) supports on the oxidation of propylene and carbon black (CB) was investigated. The results showed that different reactive ruthenium oxide species are formed following calcination at 600 °C. The reactivity increases with the cerium content in the support, Ru/CeO2 being the most reactive catalyst. However, the Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 support and corresponding catalyst, Ru/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2, exhibited decreased reactivities comparing to solids with lower cerium content. This was ascribed to the formation of a solid structure that inhibits the interaction between cerium and ruthenium oxide species following impregnation.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► CeO2, ZrO2 and mixed oxides enhance the oxidation of carbon black and propylene.
► The impregnation of ruthenium improves the solids reactivities.
► Interactions between RuOx and CeO2 are responsible for the enhanced reactivity.
► The specific surface area and the redox behavior affect the catalytic reactivity.
► Zirconium doping did not lead to enhanced oxygen storage/release capacity.