On the Structure Insensitivity of Propane Total Oxidation over Pt/CeO2: A Comparison between Single Atoms, Clusters and Nanoparticles

Abstract A series of Pt/CeO 2 catalysts with varied sizes of Pt domains are prepared and evaluated in propane total oxidation reaction, to investigate the structural sensitivity regarding the particle sizes and metal‐support interactions. Over Pt single atoms, clusters or nanoparticles (NP), the obtained similar turnover frequencies and apparent activation energies suggest the reaction is structure insensitive to the sizes of Pt domains. Nonetheless, detailed kinetic study reveals different adsorption behavior of reactants (C 3 H 8 and O 2 ) over these Pt species. Following a Langmuir‐Hinshelwood mechanism, C 3 H 8 and O 2 competitively adsorb on Pt surface. The adsorption of C 3 H 8 and O 2 on Pt single atom is much easier than on Pt nanoparticles due to its lower coordination. These findings provide experimental evidences for the reaction behavior of C 3 H 8 oxidation over Pt/CeO 2 catalysts, and lay a foundation for further understanding of the structure‐property relationship.