CuO-CeO2 binary oxide nanoplates: Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance for benzene oxidation

This work reports the first synthesis of CuO-CeO₂ binary oxides with a plate-like morphology by a solvothermal method. The as-prepared CuO-CeO₂ nanoplates calcined at 400 °C were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrum, and tested for catalytic oxidation of dilute benzene in air. Various structural characterizations showed that large amounts of copper species were exposed on the CuO-CeO₂ nanoplate surface. The effect of the synthesis conditions on the structure of the product, as well as the growth process of the nanoplates, has been studied and discussed. The CuO-CeO₂ nanoplates exhibited an excellent catalytic activity for benzene oxidation despite its relatively low surface area and could catalyze the complete oxidation of benzene at a temperature as low as 240 °C.