Heterostructured Fe2O3@SnO2 core-shell nanospindles for enhanced Room-temperature HCHO oxidation

Heterostructures combining structural and compositional merits of individual building blocks are promising in advanced catalysis for environmental remediation. We herein report a facile construction of Fe2O3@SnO2 core-shell nanospindles via assembly of SnO2 shells over Fe2O3 cores. With loading of trace N nanoparticles, the Pt/Fe2O3@SnO2 shows enhanced room-temperature HCHO oxidation activity to the Pt/Fe2O3 and Pt/SnO2. Density Function Theory (DFT) simulations demonstrate the synergetic effects of the Fe2O3 and SnO2 in the Fe2O3@SnO2, with the Fe2O3 cores facilitating adsorption/activation of reactant O-2 and the SnO2 shells promoting desorption of reactant H2O. The present study highlights advantages of heterostructure and provides a rational design strategy for advanced catalysts.