Sm2O3/Co3O4 catalysts prepared by dealloying for low-Temperature CO oxidation

Abstract

A series of Co3O4 catalysts modified by Sm were prepared by a combined dealloying and calcination approach, and the catalytic activities were evaluated using CO catalytic oxidation. The Sm2O3/Co3O4 catalysts were composed of a large number of nanorods and nanosheets, and exhibited a three-dimensional supporting structure with pores. The experimental results revealed that the addition of a small amount of Sm into the precursor AlCo alloy led to a dealloyed sample with improved catalytic activity, and the dealloyed Al90Co9.5Sm0.5 ribbons (0.5 Sm2O3/Co3O4) calcined at 300 °C showed the highest activity for CO oxidation with complete CO conversion at 135 °C, moreover, CO conversion almost no attenuation, even after 70 hours of catalytic oxidation, which is superior to that of Co3O4. The enhanced catalytic activity of the Sm2O3/Co3O4 catalyst can be attributed to the large specific surface area, more reactive oxygen species and Co3+ ion, as well as electronic interactions between Sm and Co.