Pt/Fe-containing alumina catalysts prepared and treated with water under moderate conditions exhibit low-temperature CO oxidation activity

Pt/Fe-containing alumina catalysts were prepared and treated with water under moderate conditions. From transmission electron microscopy and Pt LIII extended X-ray absorption fine structure measurement, it was concluded that Pt nanoparticles and iron oxides formed efficient contacts in the catalysts probably because of the enhanced mobility of Pt species. Surprisingly, these catalysts could catalyze CO oxidation at low temperatures—even below 0 °C with very low apparent activation energy (9.2 kJ/mol). The concept of interface fabrication demonstrated in this paper has the potential to be applied widely to various heterogeneous Pt-promoter catalytic systems.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Pt/Fe-containing alumina catalysts treated with water under moderate conditions. ► The enhancement of the mobility of Pt species by water. ► Pt nanoparticles and iron oxides form efficient contacts. ► Catalytic oxidation of CO at low temperature—even below 0 °C.