Enhanced activity of plasma catalysis for propane decomposition via metal-support interactions of Pt/CeMnyOx

The elimination of light alkanes has been the subject of extensive research. Rational tuning of the surface electronic structure of catalysts can optimize the adsorption and activation behavior of reactant molecules. Therefore, the role of metal-support interactions in plasma catalysis deserves in-depth investigation. In this study, a simple strategy was employed to synthesize Pt-based catalysts loaded on Ce-based binary oxide supports. The interactions between Pt noble metal and supports were regulated by varying the metal element type of the supports and the ratio of the support metal elements. Among them, 0.3 %Pt/CeMn 0.2 O x catalyst was the most effective for the synergistic plasma degradation of propane. Various characterizations showed that the redox ability and Pt species dispersion of 0.3 %Pt/CeMn 0.2 O x catalyst were significantly enhanced by strong metal-support interactions. It induced more Pt 0 and Ce 3+ on the surface for the activation of oxygen or water vapor to generate surface reactive oxygen species. Moreover, the plasma in turn facilitated the electron transfer of Pt/CeMn 0.2 O x catalyst and enhanced the metal-support interactions. The reactive oxygen species generated by plasma participated in the oxidation of propane and the oxygen cycle of Pt/CeMn 0.2 O x catalyst, thus enhancing the synergistic catalysis. The present work provides insight into the design of catalysts with high plasma catalytic synergy.