Robust palladium oxide nano-cluster catalysts using atomic ions and strong interactions for high-performance methane oxidation.

Ryu, Seung-Hee; Kim, Seungeun; Lee, Hyunjoo; Choi, Joon-Hwan; Jeong, Hojin · Nat Commun · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Optimizing metal catalyst structures to achieve desired states is vital for efficient surface reactions, yet remains challenging due to the lack of well-defined precursor materials and weak metal-support interaction. Palladium-based catalysts, when not properly tailored for complete methane oxidation exhibit insufficient performance. Herein, we fabricate Pd oxide nano-clusters supported on SSZ-13 using atomic ions with strong metal-support interaction (SMSI). Steam treatment of Pd/SSZ-13 transforms Pd particles into ions and induces SMSI. Subsequently, CO reduction and O<sub>2</sub> oxidation yield mildly sintered Pd oxide nano-clusters firmly anchored on extra-framework Al<sub>penta</sub> sites of SSZ-13, facilitating superior activity. The robustness from SMSI prevents irreversible deactivation, and water-resistance by complete dehydration suppresses reversible degradation in wet conditions. This catalyst exhibits high performance in bench-scale reactions using monolith catalysts, ensuring applicability for industrial methane abatement. The results demonstrate that sequential treatment to Pd/SSZ-13 offers a promising approach for tailoring metal structures to enable high-performance methane oxidation.