Ozone activated Ag/CeO2 catalysts for soot combustion: The surface and structural influences

In this work, O-3 activation was performed at 200 degrees C over two types of Ag/CeO2 catalysts with nanocube- and nanorod-like morphologies, respectively. The O-3-indcued surface O-x(-) species ("O-x(-) injection") accelerated soot combustion over both catalysts temporarily. In contrast, the depletion of CeO2 surface oxygen vacancies (Ce3+-VO-s) caused by ozonization conferred to long-term activation. Specifically, the ozonized nanocubic Ag/CeO2 with low initial Ce3+ content not only benefited more from the "O-x(-) injection", but also exhibited good redox stability and high practical potential. Therefore, the combination of this catalyst with O-3 activation may result in efficient soot elimination in the particulate filters of vehicles.