Studies on the removal of 2-propanol by Ag@Fe2O3 core–shell structured catalyst

A series of Ag@Fe2O3 core–shell structured catalysts were prepared in this study. The Fe-compound shell was first grown using a homogeneous deposition precipitation method in which urea was added to assist ferrihydrite formation on the surface of the silver core and to inhibit individual particle formation in the solution. Following 5 h calcination at 400 °C, the ferrihydrite shell was transformed into the rice-shaped and porous Fe2O3 shell. These catalysts were then characterized and tested for the catalytic removal of 2-propanol at different temperatures. The core–shell particles exhibited higher oxidation activities than that of either of pure Ag and Fe2O3. Our results also indicated the existence of an optimal amount of Fe2O3 shell, suggesting the importance of mass transfer in this oxidation reaction.

► Ag@Fe2O3 core-shell structured catalyst was tested for the removal efficiency of 2-propanol. ► This core-shell particle showed synergistic effect and exhibited better catalytic capability. ► There existed an optimal relative quantity of iron oxide to silver in terms of catalytic ability.