Application of ruthenium nanoparticles with determined structure in the catalytic oxidation of carbon black and propylene

Abstract

The synthesis of the newly discovered fcc ruthenium nanoparticles and the conventional hcp nanoparticles was established via the chemical reduction method. The nanoparticles were supported on ceria and zirconia and then thermally stabilized by calcination at 400oC or 600oC. A series of ruthenium-based catalysts were also prepared by the dry impregnation method and further calcined. The catalysts prepared by both techniques were evaluated for their catalytic activities in the oxidation reactions of carbon black and propylene. The fcc Ru nanoparticles with PVP were successfully synthesized and their XRD results were compatible with the reference. TPR results of fcc and hcp Ru/CeO2 catalysts showed the presence of well-dispersed ruthenium oxide species which were responsible for their remarkable catalytic activities in both oxidation reactions. Fcc and hcp Ru/ZrO2 catalysts revealed minimal catalytic performance as a result of their lower oxygen storage capacity. Among the impregnated catalysts, imp Ru/CeO2-600oC recorded the highest decrease in Tm under loose contact conditions in the total combustion of carbon black.