PNNL

Abstract

Here we report that single atom Pt/CeO2 precursor formed by trapping Pt atoms via a high temperature (800 °C) and vapor phase synthesis route is highly reactive after suitable activation treatments. Reduction of such a single atom Pt/CeO2 precursor in CO at 275 °C leads to a catalyst that achieves 90% CO conversion at 123 °C (T90=123 °C). The high activity is attributed to the formation of ~1nm Pt nanoparticles that are not poisoned by CO and to the restructuring of the catalyst support allowing facile oxygen transfer to the active sites. Furthermore, the isolated single atoms on this catalyst can be recreated due to the strong bonding with the support, which is also responsible for the high thermal stability and facile regeneration of the catalyst. We propose that high temperature, vapor phase synthesis provides a novel approach to tailor a catalyst support yielding sinter-resistant and regenerable catalysts suitable for industrial applications.