Time Resolved insitu DXAFS Revealing Highly Active Species of PdO Nanoparticle Catalyst for CH4 Oxidation

The highly active species of Pd/Al2O3 catalysts for methane combustion was revealed by insitu time-resolved dispersive X-ray absorption fine structure (DXAFS) spectroscopy. By using CH4 as a reduction agent, PdO in Pd/Al2O3 is reduced in a 2-step model involving Pd-0 nucleation and growth of Pd-0 domain in a PdO particle. Kinetic analysis of the 2-step model reduction of PdO nanoparticles leads to a suggestion that partial formation of Pd-0 in a PdO particle accelerates methane combustion.