Preparation and evaluation of MnOx–CeO2 nanospheres via a green route

Hollow and solid MnOx–CeO2 nanospheres have been successfully prepared with a supercritical anti-solvent process and used for the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3. Solid solution structures are detected for these nanospheres. The hollow MnOx–CeO2 nanospheres have more oxygen vacancies than the solid ones. And they also present a better NO conversion in the low-temperature range of 100–200 °C. Higher surface area, better oxygen mobility and richer surface active oxygen species are responsible for the better performance of the hollow sample. Therefore, the supercritical anti-solvent preparation of the nanospheres with the hollow structure is more favorable for the low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Hollow and solid MnOx–CeO2 nanospheres were prepared with a green route. ► The hollow MnOx–CeO2 exhibited a better NO conversion in the SCR reaction. ► Higher activity due to surface area, oxygen mobility and active oxygen species.