Exploring abundantly synergic effects of K-Cu supported paper catalysts using TiO2-ZrO2 mesoporous fibers as matrix towards soot efficient oxidation

Paper-structured catalysts present a new branch for achieving desired service merits due to their excellent structural compatibility and fluid diffusion efficiency, whereas synergic mechanism is the main constraint for the rational design. Here, we proposed a series of K-Cu supported paper catalysts (xK-yCu/mTZP) with excellent catalytic activity and stability by using TiO2-ZrO2 mesoporous fibers as matrix. The abundant synergic effects were found in the quaternary K-Cu-Ti-Zr component system, as evidenced by XPS, H-2-TPR, CO2-TPD, etc. The experimental and DFT calculation results showed that addition of copper species as K-stabilizer can inhibit the mobility of potassium, and provide an opportunity for the phase separation following the reaction of 8ZrTiO(4) + K2O -> K2Ti8O17 + 8ZrO(2)(t). As a result, the mobility of free K was confined, leading to improved stability of the paper catalysts. The 15K-5Cu/mTZP exhibited the highest catalytic activity, thermal stability and reusability among all the samples. As far as we know, this is the first study on synergic effects of paper catalysts between matrix fibers and binary active ingredients. The findings afford a promising platform for exploring novel paper catalysts with hierarchical porous structure towards many catalytic applications.

Automated summary

Paper-structured catalysts offer great potential for catalytic applications due to their excellent structural compatibility and fluid diffusion efficiency, but the synergic mechanism presents a challenge for rational design. By incorporating TiO2-ZrO2 mesoporous fibers as matrix, a series of K-Cu supported paper catalysts with outstanding catalytic activity and stability were developed. Experimental and computational results demonstrate that addition of copper species as K-stabilizer can inhibit the mobility of potassium, leading to improved stability of the paper catalysts.