The role of Sn in Pt–Sn/CeO2 catalysts for the complete oxidation of ethanol

Abstract: The structural features and catalytic properties of Pt–Sn/CeO2 catalysts prepared by modified polyol method were extensively investigated for the complete oxidation of ethanol. CO chemisorption, TPR, DTA and XPS measurements identically indicated that the electronic configuration of Pt by Sn as well as the formation of PtSn alloy were the key factors in determining the nature of the active sites. A strong Pt/Sn atomic ratio dependence of catalytic performances was observed, which was explained in terms of the changes in the surface structure of metal phases and the electronic Pt–Sn interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]