Effects of sintering-resistance and large metal–support interface of alumina nanorod-stabilized Pt nanoparticle catalysts on the improved high temperature water gas shift reaction activity

•Simple preparation method of Pt nanoparticles stabilized with alumina nanorods.•High thermal stability of Pt nanoparticles by suppressed sintering.•Larger metal-support interface formed by Pt nanoparticles and alumina norods.•1.0 - 8.0 times higher TOFs for the water gas shift reaction.

Pt nanoparticles stabilized with alumina nanorods (Pt@Al2O3) were synthesized by a simple preparation method using a mixture of Pt nanoparticles, an alumina precursor, an organic surfactant, and a reducing agent. Because the alumina nanorods stabilized Pt nanoparticles, the sintering of Pt nanoparticles was significantly suppressed during a high temperature water gas shift reaction, demonstrating 1.7–13.6 times higher CO conversions or 1.0–8.0 times higher TOF compared to other alumina-supported Pt catalysts. In addition, the increased metal–support interface for Pt@Al2O3 significantly improved the water gas shift reaction activity.

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