One-pot synthesis of mesoporous CuOx/CeO2 co-loaded ZrO2–TiO2 nanocomposites via surfactant-free solvothermal method for catalytic removal of soot under NO/O2

A novel porous CuOx/CeO2 co-loaded ZrO2–TiO2 (ZT) nanocomposite with tunable pore structure and high surface area was prepared by a simple surfactant-free solvothermal method. The pore structure could be well controlled by adjusting the ratio of ethanol to H2O during the solvothermal process. Both copper oxides and ceria species could be homogeneously loaded into porous ZT nanocomposite by either incorporation into ZT framework or dispersion into the pore channels. Two kinds of novel catalysts with different pore structures have been synthesized and exhibit excellent soot catalytic combustion performance, owing to the porous structure and the active components of CuOx/CeO2.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A surfactant-free solvothermal method is proposed to prepare the nanocomposite. ► The pore structure of this nanocomposite can be easily tuned. ► The catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity for soot catalytic combustion.