A Cu/Mn co-loaded mesoporous ZrO2–TiO2 composite and its CO catalytic oxidation property

A novel Cu/Mn co-loaded mesoporous ZrO2–TiO2 (ZT) composite has been successfully synthesized, in which Cu species were first introduced by co-hydrolysis of copper precursor with zirconium and titanium precursors, following on loading with Mn species via an in situ redox reaction between KMnO4 and the surfactant template. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, N2 sorption, TEM, SEM, H2-TPR, UV–vis and XPS techniques, etc. CO catalytic oxidation was chosen as a model reaction to investigate the distinctively synergetic catalytic effect in the prepared co-loaded sample. Compared with single component of Cu or Mn loaded samples, the co-loaded CuMnZT demonstrated much enhanced catalytic activity at the Cu content of ⩾2.2 wt%. A possible synergetic catalytic effect among the Cu, Mn species and mesoporous ZrO2–TiO2 matrix was proposed and discussed in detail.

Graphical abstractA novel two-step successional loading approach was firstly developed to synthesize a Cu/Mn co-loaded mesoporous ZrO2–TiO2 composite, which demonstrated a remarkably synergetic catalytic effect among Cu, Mn species and mesoporous ZrO2–TiO2 matrix towards CO oxidation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Mesoporous CuMn/ZT was synthesized by a novel two-step successional loading approach. ► Cu species was incorporated into ZT framework and enhanced the chemical stability. ► Mn species can be homogeneously dispersed into the mesoporous channels of ZT. ► Cu/Mn co-loaded mesoporous ZrO2–TiO2 catalysts show enhanced CO oxidation activity. ► A synergetic catalytic effect among Cu, Mn species and ZT matrix was proposed.