In situ synthesis of platinum nanocatalysts on a microstructured paperlike matrix for the catalytic purification of exhaust gases

The successful in situ synthesis of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) on a microstructured paperlike matrix, comprising ceramic fibers as main framework and zinc oxide whiskers as selective support for the PtNPs, is reported. The as-prepared hybrid material (PtNPs@ZnO "paper") resembles ordinary paper products because it is flexible, lightweight, and easy to handle. In the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxide (NO_x) with propene for exhaust gas purification, the PtNPs@ZnO paper demonstrates a high catalytic performance at a low reaction temperature, with one-third the dosage of precious platinum compared to conventional platinum-loaded honeycomb catalysts. These results imply that the combination of easily synthesized PtNPs and a unique fiber-network microstructure can provide excellent performances, promoting the effective transport of heat and reactants to the active sites of the platinum nanocatalysts. Thus, PtNPs@ZnO materials with paperlike practical aspects are promising catalytic materials for efficient NO_x gas purification.