Non-noble, efficient catalyst of unsupported α-Cr2O3 nanoparticles for low temperature CO Oxidation

Herein, we report the synthesis of chromium oxide nanoparticles, α -Cr2O3 NPs, followed by full characterization via XRD, SEM, XPS, and N2 sorptiometry. The synthesized nanoparticles were tested as catalysts toward the oxidation of CO. The impact of calcination temperature on the catalytic activity was also investigated. CO conversion (%), light-off temperature, T50, data were determined. The results revealed that chromia obtained at low calcination temperature (400 °C) is more active than those obtained at high calcination temperatures (600° or 800 °C) and this is ascribed to the smaller particle size and higher surface area of this sample. The results revealed a superior catalytic activity of Cr2O3 NPs at lower temperature as we reached a complete conversion at 200 °C which is high value in the forefront of the published results of other non-noble catalysts. The high activity of Cr2O3 nanoparticles (T50 as low as 98 °C) where found to be dependent on a careful selection of the calcination temperature. These results may provide effective and economic solutions to overcome one of the major environmental threats.