Nanosized Ag/α-MnO2 catalysts highly active for the low-temperature oxidation of carbon monoxide and benzene

Nanosized α-MnO2-supported silver catalysts (xAg/nano-MnO2, x = 0–10.0 wt%) were prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method and characterized by means of numerous analytical techniques. Catalytic activities of the materials were evaluated for the oxidation of CO and benzene. It is shown that the loading of silver on nano-MnO2 could significantly modify the catalytic activities and the catalytic performance of xAg/nano-MnO2 strongly depended upon the Ag loading, among which 5Ag/nano-MnO2 performed the best for the addressed reactions. The excellent performance of 5Ag/nano-MnO2 was associated with the highly dispersed Ag, good low-temperature reducibility, and synergism at the interface of Ag and MnO2 nanodomains.

Graphical abstractNanosized α-MnO2-supported silver catalysts (xAg/nano-MnO2, x = 0–10.0 wt%) are prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method. It is shown that the catalytic performance strongly depends upon the Ag loading and 5Ag/nano-MnO2 performs the best for CO and benzene oxidation; such excellent performance is associated with the highly dispersed Ag, good low-temperature reducibility, and synergism between the Ag and MnO2 nanodomains.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (174 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► There is a strong interaction between Ag and nano-MnO2 nanodomains. ► Ag loading promotes the reducibility of nano-MnO2. ► Ag-loaded nano-MnO2 catalysts perform well in the oxidation of CO and benzene. ► 5Ag/nano-MnO2 shows the best catalytic activity for both reactions. ► Ag dispersion, reducibility, and synergism determine catalytic performance.