The Complete Oxidation of Ethanol at Low Temperature over a Novel Pd-Ce/γ-Al2O3-TiO2 Catalyst

Pd-$Ce/{\gamma}-Al_2O_3-TiO_2$ catalysts were prepared by combined sol-gel and impregnation methods. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, $H_2$-temperature-programmed reduction, $O_2$-temperature-programmed desorption, and ethanol oxidation experiments were conducted to determine the properties of the catalysts. Addition of an optimal amount of Ce improved the performance of the $Pd/{\gamma}-Al_2O_3-TiO_2$ catalyst in promoting the complete oxidation of ethanol. The catalyst with 1% Ce exhibited the highest activity, and catalyzed complete oxidation of ethanol at $175^{\circ}C$; its selectivity to $CO_2$ reached 87%. Characterization results show that addition of appropriate amount of Ce could enrich the PdO species, and weaken the Pd-O bonds, thus enhancing oxidation ability of the catalyst. Meanwhile, the introduction of $CeO_2$ could make PdO better dispersed on ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3-TiO_2$, which is beneficial for the improvement of the catalytic oxidation activity.