Superior catalytic behaviour of Pt-doped Pd catalysts in the complete oxidation of methane at low temperature

The catalytic combustion of methane at low temperature under lean conditions was investigated over bimetallic palladium-platinum catalysts supported on alumina. Pd-Pt catalysts with constant 2 wt.% metal loading and varying compositions in Pt and Pd were prepared by successive impregnations of the metal salts. The catalysts were characterised by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy/electron dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (TEM/EDX), volumetry of H₂ chemisorption, FTIR study of CO adsorption and temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO). In the absence of water added to the feed, the methane conversion over Pd-rich bimetallic catalysts (Pt/Pt + Pd molar ratios less than 0.3) was found to be the same as that of the reference Pd/Al₂O₃ catalyst. Interestingly, under wet conditions, these bimetallic catalysts exhibited an improved performance with respect to Pd/Al₂O₃. This effect was found to be maintained upon mild steam ageing. An interaction between both metals was suggested to explain the enhanced activity of bimetallic catalysts. This was confirmed by TPO experiments indicating that formation and decomposition of PdO is affected upon Pt addition even for very low amounts of Pt. The adsorption of CO on reduced catalysts studied by FTIR revealed new types of adsorbed CO species, suggesting again an interaction between two metals.     

Pt–Pd bimetallic catalysts for methane emissions abatement

Bimetallic Pd–Pt catalysts with constant 2 wt% metal loading and varying Pt/Pd ratios were prepared, characterized and studied in the catalytic combustion of methane at low temperature under lean conditions in view of their use for CH₄ abatement from lean-burn NGV heavy duty vehicles exhausts. The influence of mild steam ageing featuring long-term use of the catalysts was also addressed together with their tolerance to H₂S. Catalysts were characterised by Transmission Electron Microscopy and Temperature Programmed Oxidation experiments. Experimental data agreed to suggest an interaction between Pd and Pt in Pd-rich catalysts, thus explaining their improved catalytic activity, even after mild ageing, compared to reference Pd/Al₂O₃. This interaction has no effect on the sulfur tolerance.