Oxidation of n-hexane over Pt and Cu–Co oxide catalysts supported on a thin-film zirconia/stainless steel carrier

The complete oxidation of n-hexane in air over a stainless steel foil (SS) coated with a thin film of ZrO2 (SS/ZrO2), SS/ZrO2/Pt, SS/ZrO2/La2O3/CuCo and SS/ZrO2/La2O3/CuCo/Pt catalysts has been investigated. The ZrO2 films were deposited on the SS substrate by electrochemical and spray pyrolysis (SP) methods. Among electrochemically prepared samples, Pt containing catalysts exhibited the highest activity. The presence of La, Cu and Co oxides along with Pt did not improve the catalytic activity. The SS/ZrO2/Pt sample prepared by spray pyrolysis showed a much better light-off characteristic than did the electrochemically obtained catalysts. The spray pyrolysis method permits the preparation of thicker ZrO2 films as compared to films prepared by an electrodeposition method. Thus, an increase of the surface area available for deposition of Pt atoms was achieved.