Ru0.05Ce0.95O2-y deposited on functionalized alumina as a smart catalyst for propane oxidation

In this work, we synthesized and characterized a novel catalyst containing Ru0.05Ce0.95O2-y nanoparticles (2–5 nm) deposited on the functionalized γ-Al2O3 support. The catalyst was studied with a wide range of ex-situ (STEM-HAADF/EDS, TEM, BET, Raman spectroscopy, XRD) and in situ methods (TPR-TPO, XPS with in situ thermal treatments) in order to determine its behavior during the successive reduction-oxidation treatments. The system shows good reversibility of the noble metal ex-solution on the particles’ surface and its redispersion in the cerium oxide structure, with excellent stability of nanoparticles’ morphology. The catalyst was active in the propane oxidation at 210℃ and could be reactivated by heating in hydrogen at 500℃.