Ozone activated Ag/CeO2 catalysts for soot combustion: The surface and structural influences

In this work, O 3 activation was performed at 200 °C over two types of Ag/CeO 2 catalysts with nanocube- and nanorod-like morphologies, respectively. The O 3 -indcued surface O x − species (“O x − injection”) accelerated soot combustion over both catalysts temporarily. In contrast, the depletion of CeO 2 surface oxygen vacancies (Ce 3+ -V O-s ) caused by ozonization conferred to long-term activation. Specifically, the ozonized nanocubic Ag/CeO 2 with low initial Ce 3+ content not only benefited more from the “O x − injection”, but also exhibited good redox stability and high practical potential. Therefore, the combination of this catalyst with O 3 activation may result in efficient soot elimination in the particulate filters of vehicles.