Time-resolved, in situ DRIFTS/EDE/MS studies on alumina supported Rh catalysts: effects of ceriation on the Rh catalysts in the process of CO oxidation

The effect of ceria doping by oxide surface modification and controlled metal surface modification (CSM) on the structure-function properties of Rh/γ-Al₂O³ catalysts in the process of CO oxidation were studied by a combined array of Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS)/Energy Dispersive X-ray Absorption Fine Structure/Mass Spectrometry techniques applied simultaneously under time-resolved, in situ conditions in the temperature range of 298–573 K. The addition of each promoter element by CSM exhibits multiple effects on the catalysts structure. The DRIFTS/XAS studies indicate that CeOx facilitate the protection of Rh particles against extensive oxidation in atmospheres of air, O₂ and CO, without reducing the coverage of oxidisable adsorbed CO.