Kilogram-scale fabrication of 3D CeO2 active catalytic support with tailored 12 nm spherical mesopores via colloidal solution combustion synthesis

Abstract

Synthetic methods that enable low-cost, large-scale, and reliable production of oxides with ultralarge mesoporous structure are imperative for broad commercial adoption. In this study, for the first time, a kilogram-scale economical synthesis of three-dimensional CeO2 nanostructure with uniform ultralarge 12 nm spherical mesopores, 2–5 nm crystal size, large specific surface area (190 m2/g) and large pore volume (0.48 ml/g) is reported via a colloidal solution combustion synthesis method. Depending on the amount of colloids used in the initial precursor mixture the textural properties such as porosity, specific surface area and pore volume of oxide produced can be precisely tuned. As the catalyst for CO oxidation reaction, 3D mesoporous CeO2 demonstrates excellent activity achieving complete conversion of CO at 315 °C, which is 80 °C lower than that of commercial non-porous ceria catalyst.