CVD‐Made Spinels: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications for Clean Energy

Abstract

To reduce emissions and protect environment from pollution caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and CO, catalytic oxidation can be applied as an efficient and promising technique. This review provides a novel and facile strategy to synthesize spinel-type and non-spinel-type transition metal oxides (TMOs). Specifically, single (Co3O4, α-Fe2O3, Mn3O4, CuO, Cu2O and Cr2O3) and binary (Co3-xCuxO4, Co3-xMnxO4 and Co3-xFexO4) TMOs have been prepared using pulsed spray evaporation chemical vapor deposition approach (PSE-CVD). PSE-CVD offers several advantages over conventional methods, such as relatively low cost, simplicity and high throughput, which makes it a promising strategy. Moreover, the PSE delivery system allows using less stable precursors and permits improving the reproducibility of the film properties with tailored compositions. The above listed TMOs prepared by PSE-CVD were successfully tested as catalysts toward the complete oxidation of some real fuels such as CO, C2H2, C3H6, n-C4H8 and C2H6O as representatives of VOCs and industrial exhaust streams. The active TMOs explored in this review could be potential catalysts candidates in one of the research areas that are currently under scrutiny, as the battle for the future of energy and environment involves the generation and application of clean energy.