Enhanced Ru dispersion via strengthened Ru-O-Ce interaction enabled by Sn-Ce solid solution for efficient chlorobenzene oxidation

In this study, a Sn-doped Sn-Ce solid solution was synthesized as the support of Ru species. The introduction of Sn resulted in the close interaction between Ru atoms and the catalyst supports. The enhanced bonding energy of Ru-O-Ce further improved the dispersity of Ru species up to 98%. Meanwhile, it promoted the formation of oxygen vacancies and electron transfer, then led to the increased proportion of metal Ru (Ru⁰) which was conductive to the dissociation of active oxygen species. With the much higher dispersity of Ru and then the resulting active oxygen species, the as-prepared catalyst RuSn_0.5Ce_9.5O₂ (1 wt% of Ru) gave the 90% of chlorobenzene (CB) conversion and CO₂ selectivity of 99.5% at 225 °C. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited outstanding durability both in dry and humid conditions. The research provided a general strategy for designing of single-atom catalyst with high dispersity, which could be recognized as one promising candidate in chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) oxidation.