Preparation of ceria-supported rhodium oxide sub-nanoparticles with improved catalytic activity for CO oxidation

A simple method to prepare highly active RhOx/ceria catalysts with RhOx sub-nanoparticles (diameter < 1 nm) is reported, which consist of flash calcination of the ceria-impregnated rhodium oxide precursor. The catalytic performance for CO oxidation is significantly improved with regard to similar conventionally-prepared catalysts due to the formation of more highly active catalytic sites at the oxides interface.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Ceria-supported RhOx sub-nanoparticles (ɸ < 1 nm) were prepared by flash calcination. ► Catalytic CO oxidation is improved with regard to conventional catalysts. ► This is attributed to highly active catalytic sites at the larger oxide interface.