Atomic behaviors in PdRu solid-solution nanoparticles on CeO2-ZrO2 support for the three-way catalytic reaction

Understanding the behavior of noble-metal catalysts is a key point of catalysis research aimed at reducing the environmental and economic costs associated with the increased use of automobiles. In this study, the atomic-behaviors of Ru and Pd atoms in PdRu solid-solution nanoparticles (NPs) supported on CeO₂-ZrO₂ (CZ) as a Rh-free three-way catalyst in a modeled three-way catalytic reaction (TWCR) were elucidated using a gas conversion analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and in-situ X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. We found that the PdRu NPs enlarged by the annealing effect separated a smaller grain size with the Pd-rich and Ru-rich phase under TWCR. Most of the oxidation and reduction reactions under the modeled TWCR occurred on the Ru. However, the Pd metals acted as a major role of the reduction of NO gas and oxidation of CO and C₃H₆ gas. Ru atoms just is a minor role during the modeled TWCR. This study demonstrates the potential of PdRu NPs as a three-way catalyst and reveals the atomic-behavior and catalytic role under the modeled TWCR.