Mesostructured CeO2 and Pd/CeO2 nanophases: Templated synthesis, crystalline structure and catalytic properties

A ceria nanophase with lattice defects was prepared through a surfactant-templated route. A 100% NO conversion with a selectivity to 100% N2 was achieved over the Pd/ceria catalyst at a reaction temperature of 300 °C, which is much superior to the catalysts of Pt or Rh supported on TiO2, Al2O3, TiO2-Al2O3 and ZrO2-Al2O3.