Multishelled, Pt-loaded Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 yolk-shell microspheres were prepared by a simple spray pyrolysis process for use in the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction. The Pt-loading was optimized, obtaining highly active Pt/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 yolk-shell nanostructures for the WGS. Of the prepared catalysts, a 2% Pt loading of the Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 yolk-shell microspheres showed the highest CO conversion. The high catalytic activity of the 2% Pt/Ce0.75Zr0.2O2 catalyst was mainly due to its easier reducibility and the maintenance of active catalytic Pt species. The Pt-loaded Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 catalyst microspheres were highly resistant to Pt sintering because of their unique yolk-shell structure. Spray pyrolysis was found to be highly efficient for the production of precious-metal-loaded, multicomponent metal oxide yolk-shell microspheres for catalytic applications.
Keywords: Pt loading; reducibility; sintering resistance; spray pyrolysis; water−gas shift; yolk−shell.